ASEAN integration was key topic at the 3rd ASEAN Mayors’ Forum

Hundreds of mayors gathered recently at the Shangri-La at the Fort for the 3rd Asean Mayors’ Forum. Seen during the two-day meet were (from L-R): Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the ASEAN, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso.; Angeles City Mayor and LCP National President Edgardo Pamintuan; Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alan Peter Cayetano; and Taguig City Mayor and LCP National Chairperson Lani Cayetano. Focal point of the forum was ASEAN integration and its effect on local urban communities of member nations.

Taguig City, together with the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the United Cities and Local Governments – Asia Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC), recently hosted the 3^rd ASEAN Mayors Forum at Shangri-La at The Fort.

Taguig’s hosting of the 3^rd ASEAN Mayors Forum came at a time when the Philippines takes the helm as Chair of the ASEAN for 2017.

The 3^rd ASEAN Mayors Forum discussed the impact and ramifications of the ASEAN integration on local urban communities in the Asia Pacific region. It also sought more ways to improve the quality of life and environmental sustainability within the region in accordance with the ASEAN Blueprint of 2016”.

Included in the agenda were topics that aim to bring the ASEAN Connectivity Roadmap, ASEAN VISION 2025, and other global landmark commitments at a local level.

The event gathered notable Philippine officials to the event led by Taguig City Mayor, Lani Cayetano, who also serves as the LCP National Chairperson; Angeles City Mayor, Edgardo Pamintuan who also sits as the LCP National President; Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alan Peter Cayetano; and Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the ASEAN, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso.

With the 3^rd ASEAN Mayors Forum, the Philippines’ endeavored to form a solid alliance with the ASEAN, UCLG-ASPAC, and LCP; build a harmonious relationship with other Asia Pacific countries; and, bring sustainable development and beneficial changes to the country’s local and urban communities. ADVT