Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), Iloilo City
March 8, 2017

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo delivered her opening statement as she assumed the chairpersonship of the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting.

Key ASCC ministers from the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States are present during the meeting that prioritizes the well being, livelihood, and welfare of nations in the ASEAN. As one of the pillars of ASEAN, ASCC upholds its commitment in maintaining cooperation within the region to sustain the quality of life of its people and community.

In her opening statement, Secretary Taguiwalo emphasized that the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN is an opportunity for the country to maximize the ASCC priorities that can help achieve the shared vision and goals of the ASEAN Community. The meeting, according to the Secretary, was also connected with the priorities of the Duterte administration, particularly human capital development and social welfare.

“I believe that our common aspirations for uplifting the equality of life for our peoples and ensuring an ASEAN that is people-oriented and socially responsible will propel us to overcome whatever challenges that come our way,” she expressed.

This year’s 17th ASCC Council Meeting focused on two of the six thematic priorities of ASEAN. These include people-oriented, people-centered ASEAN and ASEAN’s resiliency. Under these two priorities are the protection of migrant workers, promotion of the ASEAN identity, and strengthening access to health care and nutrition.

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