Cotabato City lit up as ASEAN turned 50

ASEAN AT 50 --- The city government of Cotabato is one with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as it joins in the Landmark Lighting last August 8 as part of the ASEAN Golden Anniversary. City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi led the activity held at the Old City Hall.(GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

THE local government of Cotabato City participated in the golden year anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Honored and proud, Cotabato City was one of the 50 chosen cities out of 145 to join the association in their nation-wide celebration held last August 8 in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed chairmanship in the regional network.

As part of their line-up of activities, the 50 chosen cities were given the privilege to take part in the ASEAN Landmark Lighting where the Cotabato City Old City Hall was brightly lit up with ASEAN colors together with the ASEAN Lantern.

The Old City Hall was selected for its historical background as one of the earliest establishments built in the metro that had witnessed the development and challenges its people encountered.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Lantern, which was inspired from a Filipino Christmas ornament parol, was designed with elements common in the ASEAN member states. The commonality signifies the association's vision to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful Southeast Asian community.

Like what the well-driven City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi expressed in her message, the establishment of an integrated economic community will surely accelerate economic growth, enhance trade development, and allow freer movement of goods services, skilled labor, and capital.

"Cotabato City must develop its human capital, work-force skills, while addressing income and gender inequality," Mayor Guiani-Sayadi added.

The lady mayor further emphasized to review the local government's programs and policies to level up and to not be left behind in the economic integration.

With this goal at hand, the integration offers a lot of opportunities to every member state which may help various sectors and industries to become more competitive.

Like in Cotabato City, “we now embark on a multi-million peso computerization for operation to keep up with the economic growth. For us to also take full advantage of this economic growth, the city aims to become the "Halal Hub" in the country,” she said.

Because of all of these plans, different infrastructures will soon be established to accelerate the development of the city. “Hence, these things will surely come to a reality since our bonds and cooperation are at par with that of the ASEAN which believe in `One Vision, One, Identity, and One Community,’” she added. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)