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UPCIDS hosts forum and book launch on ASEAN in line with PH chairmanship

In the midst of the chairmanship of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UPCIDS), the UP Asian Center (UPAC), and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) hosted a forum and book launch of The ASEAN Drama: Half a Century and Still Unfolding at the GT-Toyota Asian Center on May 17, 2017.
In attendance were the authors of The ASEAN Drama, namely: Dr. Filemon A. Uriarte, Jr., Dr. Temario C. Rivera, Dr. Jorge V. Tigno, Prof. Herman Joseph S. Kraft, Prof. Jose P. Tabbada, and Dr. Orlando S. Mercado; UP officials; representatives from government agencies and civil society organizations; and faculty and students.
UPAC Dean Dr. Joefe B. Santarita welcomed the guests while VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rose B. Bautista delivered a message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion. Former Permanent Representative to the UN Lauro L. Baja, Jr. delivered his keynote speech titled “ASEAN: The Other Side of Midnight,” where he addressed the chairmanship of the Philippines in the 50th year of the ASEAN, and past and possible ways forward of the ASEAN. In the subsequent reaction Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, former Ambassador to ASEAN and former ASEAN Deputy Secretary-Genera, gave his thoughts on pressing matters in the ASEAN and on the book The ASEAN Drama. An open forum followed after the speeches of the former ambassadors.
DAP President Dr. Elba S. Cruz was also in attendance and delivered a message of support. UPCIDS Executive Director Dr. Edna E.A. Co gave a brief background of the book project and each author gave quick summaries of their respective chapters. Book signing and cocktails capped the event. Dr. Jean Franco of the Department of Political Science served as the forum and book launch’s master of ceremonies.
The book, published by UPCIDS and DAP, is described as a “forthright scrutiny of ASEAN by academics and diplomatic practitioners.”
Copies of the book are available at the UPCIDS at PHP 400.00 each. For purchase inquiries, please contact Joseph Cruzado at [email protected].
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