The International Symposium on ASEAN Studies (ISAS) concluded last 25 February 2025 as part of the UP Open University Tri-Conference and Anniversary. With the theme “Fostering Collaboration and Embracing Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” ISAS 2025 aimed to explore and interrogate various possibilities and strategies that can advance ASEAN Studies and contribute to the broader goal of realizing the vision of the ASEAN Community evident in the successful conduct of its three plenary sessions, two panel sessions, and 15 parallel sessions.
Plenary Sessions
The first plenary session tackled Social Innovation in the ASEAN for Sustainability delivered by Director for Human Development Rodora Turalde-Babaran of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community of the Department of ASEAN Secretariat. This was followed by the Center Director of SEAMEO SEARCA, Dr. Glenn Gregorio’s plenary session on Social Transformation in ASEAN through Agricultural Innovation, both sessions moderated by Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez.
The last plenary session commenced in the afternoon with Exploring Health Tourism in ASEAN by Dr. Ranee Esichaikul, Lecturer at the School of Management Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU).
Panel Sessions
Two panel sessions happened during the conference simultaneously held in two different venues, the International Convention Center and the World Class Multimedia Production Building.
Panel Session 1, moderated by Prof. Consuelo Habito, PhD, highlighted the discussion on “Indigenous Cultures and its Influences on Wood Carving in Contemporary Philippines” with presenters sharing their researches on wood carving culture and influences from Ifugao (Ms. Regina Guimpatan-Gano), Palawan (Dr. Consuelo Habito) & Mindanao (Ms. Noaisa Abdulazes).
Panel Session 2, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, DProfSt., focused on “Gender and Inclusivity within Sustainability Discourse in ASEAN” where two panelists shared during the session: Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea with “ASEAN Agreements to Promote Gender Equality and Advance Women’s Human Rights” and Prof. N. Manimekalai with “Gender Justice in Environmental Justice Initiatives – Evidences from South India.”
A total of 15 parallel sessions also happened during the conference, paving the way for more discourses about various topics related to and about ASEAN.
Attended by 179 onsite and online attendees, ISAS would not be possible without the help and support of our partners: UPOU Foundation, Inc., UP Office of the International Linkages, Philippine Society for Distance Learning, Inc., and sponsors: SEARCA, Asia United Bank, the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. and our donor Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions or CARD MRI.
As part of the conference, the ASEAN Community Fair was also held from 24-28 February 2025 joined by 24 exhibitors from various institutions all over Laguna.
Written by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz
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