Davao Oriental joins Asean landmark lighting

DAVAO ORIENTAL — The Province of Davao Oriental (DAVOR) joined the historic lighting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) landmarks last August 8. Davao Oriental is among the 50 chosen ASEAN historical sites in the country, and among the only two sites chosen in Region XI together with Davao City, to participate in the simultaneous nationwide event that will mark the ASEAN’s grand 50th Anniversary celebration. DavOr held its landmark lighting activity at the Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park in San Isidro town, the entrance to the celebrated Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. Having been inscribed as the Philippine’s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Mount Hamiguitan was also declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2016, making the site more significant as the venue for the symbolic landmark lighting event.

The program kicked off with the celebration of the Holy Mass followed by a short program featuring the singing of the ASEAN hymn and the raising of the flags of the ASEAN ten-member states. The ceremonial lighting of a six-footer lantern at 7 in the evening became the event’s highlight. Guests from the consulate of Malaysia and Indonesia graced the highly anticipated event. Bearing the theme “Under One Light, We Are One ASEAN.” There will be a main event that will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines aside from the simultaneous landmark lighting programs in all participating Local Govement Units. The said activity is also being touted to contribute in raising people’s awareness and appreciation of the significance and the benefits of being a member of the ASEAN. (DavOr Public Information Officer)