By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Attendees gather for a photo opportunity following the National ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony at the University Flagpole Area.

Central Philippine University (CPU) held its National ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the University Flagpole Area, in line with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship and pursuant to Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) Memorandum No. 505, Series of 2026.

The ceremony aimed to demonstrate the University’s support for ASEAN 2026 and promote greater awareness and appreciation of the ASEAN community among Centralians.

The program opened with a prayer led by Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, conducted by Mr. Ascencion “Icyn” Bautista, CPU Symphonic Band Master, with the accompaniment of the CPU Symphonic Band. This was followed by the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas and the Panatang Makabayan, led by CPU Republic (CPUR) Representative Zeleena Laura Celso.

The participants then sang “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” and the University’s Alma Mater song, “Central, My Central.”

Mr. Daryl L. Lutero, faculty member of the Social Sciences Department, delivered a message on the history and significance of ASEAN, emphasizing the importance of understanding the regional organization and reflecting on the meaning of regional cooperation.

“Today we gather not only to inform ourselves about ASEAN but to reflect what regional cooperation truly means to our nation, our University, and the generations we are shaping together,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the ASEAN 2026 theme song, followed by a photo opportunity.

Through the activity, CPU reaffirmed its support for regional cooperation, unity, and ASEAN solidarity.