QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- In the just-concluded 57th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI) in Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam, the Philippine government affirmed its commitment to work with its ASEAN neighbors for a digital society that is inclusive, productive, secure, and sustainable.

Themed "Digital Transformation: Accessible Opportunities for Everyone," the conference last November 21-26 brought together delegations in charge of culture and information of ASEAN member states, ASEAN Secretariat, and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA).

Leading the Philippine delegation was Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Undersecretary Ramon Lee Cualoping III who pushed for ASEAN's future-proofing towards a more inclusive digital society in the region.

“The Philippines is one with the rest of the ASEAN in envisioning a region where the culture and information sectors will remain vibrant forces in fostering ASEAN awareness and sense of belongingness and identity among our peoples,” Cualoping said.

The PIA chief also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to ensuring and sustaining digital inclusivity and access to information, fighting disinformation, and maximizing the use of digital resources to encourage active participation and engagement in nation building on the part of the public.

The Philippines and Vietnam have been engaged in education, tourism, agriculture, aquaculture trade, and defense as areas of cooperation since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.

Part of the Philippine delegation were Acting Director Lyza Maria Viejo of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), PTV4’s Officer-in-Charge of Research Elena Directo, PIA Planning and Communication Research Officer-in-Charge Ann Lorraine Macadaeg, PIA National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Emver Cortez, and PIA principal support focal Mr. Patrick Matel.

The ASEAN-COCI is responsible for the formulation, implementation, and review of culture and information projects for funding under the ASEAN Cultural Fund (ACF) and other relevant non-governmental funds. Representatives from the culture and information sectors in the 10 ASEAN member states participated in the meeting hosted by the government of Vietnam. (PIA PMD)