ASEAN info kiosk to be set up at Legazpi airport

LEGAZPI CITY --- As an initiative in promoting and educating the people of the Philippines’ important role in the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Albay provincial office will launch and open the ASEAN 2017 Information Kiosk at Legazpi City’s airport this week. The establishment of the ASEAN 2017 Information Kiosk manifests the commitment of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), as the lead of the Committee on Media Affairs and Communications (CMASC), to spread awareness and educate the people about the Philippine chairmanship and hosting of this year’s ASEAN that also coincides with its 50th anniversary.. The ASEAN 2017 carries the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” According to PIA Albay provincial chief Marlon Loterte, the Inofrmation Kiosk in Legazpi City is designed to rally public support for the country’s hosting of the 2017 ASEAN Summit and is one of many throughout the country as part of the collective effort in stressing the importance of the Philippines’ role in the ASEAN community. The ASEAN 2017 Information Kiosk, Loterte added, will be providing service at the airport until November or December this year to provide information materials about ASEAN, not only to the locals but to visitors and tourists alike, showcasing audio-visual presentations about the ASEAN, and even periodicals to rouse the interest of the people, adding up the IEC materials featuring tourism, social-economic, demographic and other profiles, agriculture, arts and cultures, among others of the covered province, cities and municipalities in Albay province. “Our objective is to let every Filipino and every citizen of the ASEAN know what their stake is in the community,” said PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar last January 4 when he announced the Philippines’ hosting and chairmanship. Secretary Andanar explained that though 81% of ASEAN citizens have actually heard of ASEAN, and 24% among them have the basic understanding of what it is and its purpose. Because of this, the secretary said that this is indeed troubling as all ASEAN citizens, in many ways, benefit from the said regional association. Thus, the Philippine government was given the directive to rigorously strengthen the public awareness on the ASEAN. “And so, we have even organized road shows throughout the country. We seek to reach every barangay, and target citizens from all walks of life,” Andanar said. “It is our (PCOO and PIA) duty to communicate to the public by persuasive and creative execution through various mediums or channels. We would be people-oriented and people-centric for Filipinos and fellow ASEAN citizens,” said Secretary Andanar. For its part, the PIA intends to inform, educate and communicate to every Filipino how the ASEAN has benefited them and how the populace can help strengthen initiatives of ASEAN among its member-states. The campaign will speak to everyone, from all walks of life-- from government workers, media, NGOs, civil society, the academe, business sector, the youth and even the grassroots communities. The launching of the ASEAN 2017 Information Kiosk will be graced by PIA Deputy Director General Angelo Villar, along with Albay Gov. Al Franci Bichara, Office of 2D Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and Mayor Noel Rosal, who expressly manifest their support towards this initiative of PIA in the area. PIA5/Albay