Jakarta, 06 February 2017 - Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, led the Philippine delegation to the 9th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Committee (ASCCO), which was held on 6 February 2017 at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The Philippine delegation was composed of representatives from various agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO) and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
The 9th ASCCO discussed extensively the various measures of ASEAN Member States towards the accomplishment of the goals enshrined in the ASEAN Political Security (APSC) Blueprint 2025, and address and coordinate cross-cutting issues across the APSC, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and ASEAN Socio-cultural Community (ASCC) Pillars.
During the meeting, Ambassador Buensuceso explained the thematic priorities of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017. She advanced suggestions on how to monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of the Blueprint and challenges in addressing cross-pillar and cross sectoral issues such as anti-trafficking, dangerous drugs, disaster management and gender mainstreaming. She also encouraged sectoral bodies to utilize funds made available to implement the action lines in the APSC Blueprint.
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