The provincial government of Bohol joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in celebrating the 10-nation bloc’s 50th anniversary through a commemorative landmark lighting on Tuesday.
Lighting ceremonies were led by Governor Edgar Chatto and other local officials at the Panglao Plaza near the town’s over century-old watchtower at Barangay Poblacion in the said municipality which hosted a series of ASEAN meetings last April.
The lighting of the ASEAN lantern was done simultaneously together with other select towns and cities across the country which also carried out their own commemorative ceremonies.
Chatto, in his speech, expressed pride in having Bohol chosen as among venues of the ASEAN meetings which are being held in the Philippines throughout 2017.
It was a testament to the popularity of Bohol, particularly Panglao, as a tourist and conference destination for international visitors, he said.
The celebration in Panglao featured a fireworks display, fire dancing and performances by local talents such as the Loboc Youth Ambassador Band.
Meanwhile, Panglao is also currently hosting the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) which is participated by 34 countries across Asia.
The four-day event which started monday is highlighted by the ACD Energy Working Group Meeting and the 1st East Asia Energy Forum.
The forum will tackle energy issues particularly the ACD Energy Action Plan, said the Department of Energy. (AD)