(10 August 2020) – The Bureau of International Health Cooperation, headed by Director Maria Soledad Q Antonio, lead a virtual flag ceremony last 10 August 2020, which was attended by 371 online participants composed of DOH officials and personnel. The ceremony marked the DOH commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN. The conduct of the flag ceremony was in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 282, which declared the month of August as the ASEAN Month, and the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 07 s. 2017, which enjoined all civil servants to actively take part in raising the public’s awareness of the ASEAN.

During the ceremony, Director Antonio announced that the DOH issued Department Memorandum 2020-0331 or the “Commemoration of the 53rd ASEAN Founding Anniversary and Celebration of the ASEAN Month” last 24 July 2020. The memorandum enjoined all offices including, the Ministry of Health in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Centers for Health Development, and DOH Hospitals to conduct a modest commemoration of the ASEAN Month as the DOH continues its efforts in addressing the threat of COVID-19 in the country.

Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde of the Health Policy Systems and Development Team, in a video message, gave an address discussing the “significant contribution of the ASEAN in the Philippines especially in addressing the pandemic”. Secretary Francisco T. Duque III also gave a video message “expressing gratitude to all ASEAN front liners, health professionals and health care workers, researchers, scientists, and individuals who continue to respond to the call of service”. Secretary Duque also expressed appreciation for the works of the ASEAN as a cohesive and responsive regional entity in the global arena and its role in paving a better life to the peoples of Southeast Asia.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the DOH hymn. This virtual ceremony marked the first time that the DOH conducted a flag ceremony since the last one was held last March 2020.

 
[Photos from the Bureau of International Health Cooperation, Department of Health – Philippines]