Caritas, culture, quiz bees: ASEAN Week lands at San Agustin

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY – The University of San Agustin opened its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Week 2026 on Monday, Aug. 3, as part of its observance of ASEAN Month, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation and intercultural understanding among Southeast Asian nations.

The weeklong celebration carries the theme “Caritas in ASEAN: A Celebration that Unites Communities,” highlighting the Augustinian value of Caritas, or selfless love, as a guiding principle for strengthening regional ties.

In his opening remarks, University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, framed the observance as a recognition of both difference and common purpose across the bloc.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate not only the rich diversity of our ASEAN neighbors, but also the shared aspirations that unite us as one community,” Dizon said.

He said Caritas reminds the academic community that authentic education develops not only the intellect but also the heart through service, compassion, and solidarity.

“As we navigate our future together, Caritas continues to unite our communities across cultures, languages, and borders, inspiring us to work for the common good of our ASEAN family,” he added.

The celebration features an ASEAN Exhibit at the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology lobby, where cultural booths showcase the traditions, heritage, cuisine, and customs of the ASEAN member states.

Students, faculty members, and staff are encouraged to visit the interactive exhibits to deepen their appreciation of Southeast Asia’s cultural diversity and shared identity.

Also on the program is an ASEAN Quiz Bee designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of the regional bloc and its role in promoting peace, stability, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.

ASEAN was established through the Bangkok Declaration of Aug. 8, 1967, with the Philippines among its five founding members alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

The bloc expanded to 11 members on Oct. 26, 2025, when Timor-Leste was formally admitted at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, its first enlargement since Cambodia joined in 1999.

The 11 member states work together to advance regional integration, economic growth, and sociocultural cooperation across Southeast Asia.

The observance at San Agustin runs ahead of ASEAN Day on Aug. 8, which marks the anniversary of the bloc’s founding and anchors the monthlong commemoration across member states.

Founded in 1904 by the Order of St. Augustine, the University of San Agustin is the oldest university in Western Visayas.