By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Participants gather for a photo during the ASEAN Week 2026 opening celebration.
Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrated ASEAN Week 2026 on August 20, 27, and 28, 2026, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The three-day celebration was organized by the CPU Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC) and the Cultural Affairs Office.
The celebration formally opened on August 20, 2026, at Conference Room of the Henry Luce III Library. The opening program began with a prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by the CPU Excel Chorale, followed by the ASEAN Anthem, “The ASEAN Way.”
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered the welcome remarks and encouraged the university community to build connections beyond their usual circles.
“Throughout this ASEAN Week, I urge you to get out of your comfort zones and connect with your fellow students and teachers outside your usual circles. What you build today will certainly become the foundation of tomorrow’s long-term partnership that will bring glory and honor to God,” he said.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers his message during the ASEAN Week 2026 opening celebration.
An intermission number by the CPU Tumandok Dance Company followed.
Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, introduced the guest speaker, Gregorio B. Perez Jr., EdD, OIC, Office of the Director IV, Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHED ROVI).
Perez delivered a message titled “Navigating Our Future Together: The Role of Young Leaders in Building Stronger Communities.” He began with trivia questions about ASEAN before discussing the organization’s development and its connection to higher education.
Perez noted that education had been part of ASEAN’s vision from the beginning and that the organization gradually expanded from its original five members to embrace the countries of Southeast Asia.
He also posed the question, “What does ASEAN have to do with higher education?” and explained that, from its founding, ASEAN had recognized education and training as important areas of cooperation.
“Today, ASEAN cooperation in education has expanded into areas such as student and faculty mobility, international academic partnerships, collaborative research, quality assurance, recognition of qualifications, digital transformation, innovation, professional development, cultural exchange, and sustainable development,” he emphasized.
Gregorio B. Perez Jr., EdD, OIC, Office of the Director IV, CHED Regional Office VI, shares insights during the ASEAN Week 2026 opening celebration.
“For our students, this means that education is no longer confined within the four walls of a classroom or even within the borders of one country. Filipino students may study in other ASEAN countries. A Filipino researcher may collaborate with an ASEAN university. A Philippine business graduate may work with companies across Southeast Asia. A Filipino scientist may join regional research addressing climate change, food security, public health, disaster resilience, and artificial intelligence. Therefore, ASEAN is not simply a subject to be studied; it is a reality in which our students will live and work,” he added.
Rev. Dr. Dagohoy formally declared the opening of the ASEAN Week celebration. The program continued with the ASEAN 2026 theme song, a presentation of ASEAN Week activities, and cultural presentations by CPU international students and the CPU Tumandok Dance Company.
The opening activities concluded with a photo opportunity, followed by the “Functional Ceramic Art Workshop,” a ceramic mug painting activity facilitated by the Centralian Visual Artists Society (CenVas). Lyndon John Coronado, a fourth-year BSBA Marketing Management student, served as the master of ceremonies for the opening program.
On August 27, the CPU College of Hospitality Management held “Flavors of ASEAN: A Culinary Showcase” at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park (APCP), featuring ASEAN-inspired food and culinary presentations by students. The activity was held alongside the continuation of the Ceramic Mug Painting activity.
The celebration will conclude on August 28 at the APCP with the ASEAN Wall of Commitment, the induction of the CPU International Student Organization, and the awarding of certificates.