ANGELES CITY — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) launched the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) School Tour at Holy Angel University (HAU) in Angeles City to engage the Filipino youth and strengthen awareness of the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship.
This initiative aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to actively participate in regional affairs and understand ASEAN’s programs and impact on education, employment, and community development.
During the forum, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro stressed the importance of preparing the youth for leadership roles in their communities.
“As we host over 600 ASEAN and related meetings in 2026, we will continue to keep on top-of-mind our commitment to empowering you, our young students, to prepare you for your future roles as the leaders of our community,” she said.
Nearly 900 students and faculty from HAU, Bataan Peninsula State University, Bulacan State University, City College of Angeles, Pampanga State Agricultural University, and Wesleyan University of the Philippines attended the forum.
The event featured an interactive session where students asked questions and discussed regional and international issues, giving them a platform to engage directly with ASEAN policies and programs.
“The ASEAN school tour allows students to learn how ASEAN programs and initiatives directly affect communities, from education and employment opportunities, to regional cooperation and development,” Lazaro noted.
The DFA said the tour is part of its efforts to bring foreign policy closer to the youth and highlight the significance of the Philippines’ leadership role in ASEAN this year.
“We encourage academic institutions to actively engage in ASEAN activities and initiatives to enrich student experiences and contribute to building a more integrated and resilient Southeast Asian community,” the DFA secretary said.
The school tour will continue in other parts of the country throughout the year to ensure nationwide youth participation in ASEAN awareness and programs, with emphasis on their role in shaping the country’s engagement in regional development.
