KAWIT, Cavite, Aug. 9 – The crowd and special guests were dazzled by the spectacular lighting of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN)'s 50th anniversary landmark on Tuesday evening as the lantern illluminated the sky just like New Year while featured artists gamefully performed at the historic Aguinaldo Shrine here.
But to high school student Rubman A. Santera, the ASEAN Landmark Lighting ceremony is a historic first for his participation in the celebration instead of merely watching the event on television.
Kawiteños rejoiced in Tuesday’s lighting ceremony across key landmark venues in the country that truly sets the tone for the future of ASEAN as partners for change and a milestone for the world.
The millennials, or younger generation of today, beamed with pride and optimism as the country’s future leaders and inheritors of the ASEAN Economic Integration.
Santera and his three buddies were elated that their hometown of Kawit took part in the simultaneous lighting ceremony across the country, “because we in the regions are given the opportunity to not just participate and appreciate what ASEAN is all about, but also showcase our locality.”
The millennial Santera is the founder of U Team Buhay, a Kawit-based non-government youth organization founded in 2013 consisting of volunteers from different areas in Cavite.
In an interview, he said their group actively participates in various socio-economic activities in and out of Kawit because “as future leaders, we set the example to the youth group to be responsible and disciplined citizens."
“Yung me alam at pakialam, lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon na karangalan di lang ng bayan ito, ngunit ng buong bansa (Youths who are aware, concerned and involved especially on occasions like this, which brings honor to our municipality and the whole country as well),” Santera said. “Makes you feel proud and honored as a Kawitenyo, Kabitenyo.”
Asked about ASEAN, Santera dwelled on the local officials speeches that the ASEAN “influence” has been there all along, and that neighboring member nations made our culture more vibrant and diverse, and made us friendly and caring neighbors.
“Sila ang pangunahing katulong ng ating bansa sa seguridad, komersyo, maging sa pangangailangan at sakuna (They are our partners in security, commerce, even during times of needs and disasters),” he said.
Hosted by local Public Employment Services Office head Dr. Norbeto Rayupa, the ASEAN landmark lighting event was graced by town Administrator Rey Santos, Administrative Consultant for Tourism Affairs Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo, Sangguniang Bayan Tourism Committee chairperson Divina Pulido and Councilor Eman Tuazon. (PNA)
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