LUNA, Apayao – Apayao State College took the spotlight during the ASEAN Fusion 2024 hosted by Ifugao State University (IFSU)-International Affairs and Linkages Office where several contested activities were held for students in Southeast Asia.
The competitions were done online and participated in by various higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Southeast Asian Region.
During the Culminating and Awarding Ceremony on September 5, winners were declared.
In the essay writing category, Dhezyrine Gandalera took first place, while Fredie Tagui placed fifth in the digital poster making contest.
In an interview with Gandalera, she stated, “I had busy days during those times, “Not to brag, but I work as a mainstream journalist as well. Yet, Sir Mc Ornoc T. Lamao, my ever-supportive instructor as well as a parent figure, believes that I can do it. He pushed me to grab this opportunity. So, I did. My passion for writing, together with the support from people who believe in me, made me grab the opportunity to join the essay contest’.
Gandalera added that her win “was shocking, I never expected it. Competing with many contestants from different HEIs across ASEAN region and winning it? It’s really His will that I won. Yet the award is not solely mine. The award is dedicated to the people who strongly believe in my capability.”
She also noted that she spent a few days writing the essay manuscript she submitted, working out terms appropriate for the theme, and spending hours researching the ASEAN Community.
As for Tagui, he said to come up with the elements and the direction of his digital poster he had to ‘research the nature of ASEAN as a regional bloc in Asia and read articles such as the ASEAN SDG Baseline and ASEAN Community Brochure series of 2019. I also received valuable tips and feedback from Sir Dennis Dizon, an expert in Traditional Poster Making from ASC – I International Affairs and Linkages’.
The 57th ASEAN Day focused on the theme: Connected and Resilient Community, aimed at celebrating the adaptability and openness of the regional members in addressing challenges and embracing opportunities. By Loremia Pareja
