EVALUATION REPORT

ASEAN YOUTH FORUM

18 AUGUST 2017
Strengths of the Activity/Project
The ASEAN Youth Forum enables the students and other spectators from various sectors
to have an in-depth understanding of the benefits, the current issues and challenges as one of the
ASEAN members, most especially being the chairman for this year’s summit. It showcases the
current plans and actions of the ASEAN countries and their projected more enhanced regional
integration for the years to come. The organizers invited an amazing lineup of resource speakers
whom are at the top of their fields. Moreover, the diverse talents of the Lyceans were evident
during the intermission numbers by the LPU Dance Troupe.
Weakness of the Activity/Project
To specify the weakness of this youth forum, it is the late arrival of some speakers who
would not been able to arrive on time. Due to this unforeseeable circumstance, some of the
speakers had to leave before the open forum and giving of certificates of appreciation. However,
it is inevitable and adjustments could still be made in future forums.
Impact of Activity to Target Beneficiaries/Sectors/Community
The impact of this activity towards its target beneficiaries, sector, and communities is
substantive. It made the target beneficiaries capable of grasping in its simplest way, the knowledge
and understanding of the significance of being an ASEAN member and chairman. The students,
most specifically, were able to understand the current trend of the administration towards the
ASEAN. It gives an opportunity to illustrate the priorities of and plans of the administration in
relation with the ASEAN countries and membership. Also, it provides an avenue for realizing the
vitality of being in a regional integration in this growing globalized international system. To add
to that, the speeches made were full of important information that the target audience could use
even at the individual level, increasing the level of awareness of the target audience regarding the
Government’s actions and programs.
Issues/Concerns of the Activity/Project
One of the issues or concerns faced during the event was the distribution of event kits for
those who pre-registered. The organizers at the registration had a bit of a problem catching up with
the registration and distribution of kits to the number of incoming participants. Despite, it was
successful. Another concern was the diminishing number of audience throughout the forum. Not
all CIR students had participated and a number left before the end of the forum. Also, as what
mentioned in the weakness of this activity/project, another issue was the late arrival of the
resourced speakers.
The questions raised during the forum per se can also be considered as another issues and
concerns. There were four issues and concerns in the activity that were raised by the spectators.
Firstly, the application of East Timor in ASEAN. Secondly, the ASEAN’s plans on combatting
the War on Drugs.
Thirdly, the non-interconnectedness of the NAIA airports. Lastly, the DOTr’s plans on the
Pasig River whilst the massive rail and road transportation projects were being crafted.
Recommendations vis-à-vis the Issues/Concerns
The recommendations given by the organizers for the for the first issue or concern
mentioned above was proper distribution of line for each section of different classes. For the
second issue or concern, there was a proper monitoring of the audiences who wanted to go out
through leaving their IDs at the entrance of the hall and it could be claimed once they come back.
The recommendations for the raised issues and concerns were given by the honorable
speakers. For the first question, Assistant Emmylou Ferrer from the Office of ASEAN Affairs of
DFA pointed out the DFA’s openness in the East Timor application.
The two remaining questions, on the other hand, were answered by Atty. Batan. Regarding
the non-interconnectedness of the NAIA airport, which he then answered by stating that initially,
during the establishment of NAIA 3, connecting roads were also to be placed, but, unfortunately,
was not pushed through. Never fail, he added that the DOTr is working on reviving the so-called
project.
The second question regarding the DOTr’s plans on the Pasig River whilst the massive rail
and road transportation projects were being crafted, Atty. Batan replied that the DOTr is open in
projects relating to ferry transportation for the Pasig River, however, the concern being that of the
environmental kind.
Assessment of the Organizers/Participants on the Activity/Project
The assessment of the organizers and participants of the project were overall satisfying.
Most spectators were able to be provided with the efficient response regarding the forum and the
organizers were able to deliver the aim and goal of the project which is to provide knowledge and
in-depth understanding of the ASEAN participation of youth in such regional integration. The
organizers’ good execution of the event was brought about by massive preparations on their part
and the participants have seen that. They enjoyed the freebies and takeaways of the activities.
Recommendations for the Future
Youth forums such this shall be continually held in the future to make the students
proactive and be integrated with the current trends and issues of the Philippines in terms of regional
cooperation and integration. Youth involvement would be vital as they would be the building
blocks and foundation for the future proactive endeavors of this country. This would play a
significant training ground to harness their diplomatic skills and critical thinking for conducting
and settling international negotiations and agreements.