A vibrant celebration of culture, learning, and regional solidarity unfolded at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) as the institution commemorated ASEAN Month under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” on August 10, 2026, at the SPAMAST Founder’s Hall.
The celebration was organized and facilitated by the Office of Internationalization and External Linkages (OIEL) in partnership with the Supreme Student Government (SSG), in support of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship. It brought together students and employees in an event that highlighted ASEAN’s spirit of unity, diversity, cooperation, and shared aspirations.
The celebration opened with a Parade of ASEAN Costumes, where students and employees proudly showcased ASEAN-inspired attire. The colorful parade transformed the venue into a celebration of Southeast Asian cultures, reflecting the region’s diversity while emphasizing the common bonds that connect its peoples.
The formal program proceeded with the Prayer, Philippine National Anthem, Davao Occidental Hymn, Malita Hymn, and ASEAN Hymn, setting the tone for an afternoon dedicated to regional awareness and cultural appreciation.
In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Fe T. Canoy, Director for Instruction, emphasized the importance of providing students with opportunities to understand ASEAN and its relevance to their education and future careers.
A Message of Support from SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia was duly represented by Ms. Michelle M. Elemino, reaffirming the institution’s support for initiatives that promote internationalization, cultural understanding, and meaningful student engagement.
Adding to the momentum of the celebration, Frendz Shynlee D. Camahalan, SSG President – Malita Campus, presented the series of ASEAN activities prepared for the SPAMAST community.
The program then transitioned into a series of simultaneous learning and student-centered activities. At the Learning Sessions, participants explored various dimensions of ASEAN through engaging discussions from invited resource speakers.
Mr. Oktaviano Dwisaputra Jurinus discussed the economic aspects of ASEAN countries and technological cooperation, providing participants with perspectives on the importance of regional economic and technological collaboration.
This was followed by Dr. Joefrelin C. Ines, who presented “ASEAN Without Borders: Lessons from an Overseas Filipino Educator on Leadership, Innovation, and Building Our Future Together.” The session highlighted the role of leadership, innovation, and Filipino participation in contributing to a stronger and more interconnected ASEAN community.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ariel E. San Jose explored “The Role of ASEAN Languages in Regional Identity and Integration,” emphasizing the significance of language in preserving cultural identity, fostering mutual understanding, and strengthening regional integration. His discussion underscored how linguistic diversity can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier among ASEAN peoples.
Alongside the learning sessions, students participated in the ASEAN Quiz Bee, putting their knowledge of ASEAN history, culture, geography, and regional affairs to the test. The activity encouraged academic engagement and healthy competition while making learning about ASEAN both challenging and enjoyable.
The celebration also provided a creative platform through the Poster-Making Activity, where students expressed their understanding of ASEAN through visual art. Their works reflected themes of unity, cultural diversity, cooperation, peace, and a shared vision for the region’s future.
More than a celebration, SPAMAST’s ASEAN Month observance became a meaningful avenue for students and employees to appreciate the richness of Southeast Asian cultures while gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s interconnectedness. It demonstrated that internationalization can begin within the campus—through learning, cultural appreciation, dialogue, and collaboration.
A significant highlight of the celebration was the giving of the certificate recognizing the 2026 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation collaboration between the Malita Tourism Office and the SPAMAST Team.
The recognition underscored the value of collaborative efforts in protecting, promoting, and sustaining cultural heritage, bringing together local government and academic institutions in advancing heritage conservation. The acknowledgment also reflected SPAMAST’s growing contribution to initiatives that connect education, culture, community engagement, and sustainable development.
The recognition complemented the ASEAN Month celebration’s broader message that cultural heritage serves as an important foundation for regional identity and understanding. By supporting heritage conservation efforts, SPAMAST and its partners contribute to preserving stories, traditions, and places that form part of the collective identity of communities and the wider ASEAN region.
Through the collective efforts of the Office of Internationalization and External Linkages and the Supreme Student Government, SPAMAST continues to cultivate students who are not only academically prepared but also culturally aware, globally minded, and capable of contributing to a more connected ASEAN community.
As the institution embraced the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the celebration reminded the SPAMAST community that ASEAN’s strength lies in its diversity and its shared commitment to cooperation. The future may be shaped by different cultures, languages, and perspectives, but its journey is one that is best navigated together.
The ASEAN Month celebration contributed to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education by providing meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by promoting cultural understanding, dialogue, and cooperation; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals by advancing institutional internationalization and collaborative initiatives that strengthen regional connections.
