The Philippines hosted the Association of Senators in South East Asian Nations (ASSEAN) Senators 1st Board of Directors Meeting 2025 held recently at the Lime Resort Hotel, Seascape Village, Pasay City.
The event brought together esteemed Senators and delegates from across ASSEAN such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, further strengthening collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and economic opportunities.
This year’s theme is “ASSEAN with a heart”.
At the helm of the event was ASSEAN President (2025), Theodore Quindoy Garcia, a distinguished leader and former executive assistant III to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director.
Garcia is known for his results-driven approach and commitment to fostering regional cooperation with a clear vision to enhance friendship, cooperation, and shared expertise in education, technology, agriculture, and business. Under his leadership, the organization aims to actively support sustainable growth and innovative solutions for the region.
Present during the conference were guest speakers led by Marian Pacunana, Business Development Officer, Urban Farmers Phils., Reggie Fernando, Association of Rabbit Meat Producers; JCI Sen. Adele Tran from Vietnam; JCI MEM George Gerard Lewis, Human Settlement and Urban Development; JCI SEN Ditri Kemala Ritzki from Indonesia, Estrellita “Neng” Juliano Tamano, currently the President and Chairman of the Board of Federation of International Cable Association of the Philippines (FICTAP); Arsenio “Toto” Barcelona, President of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, and Richard Prodigalidad, (CTO, Starfleet Innotech and CEO Smarprodigy)
During the meeting, ASSEAN President Theodore Garcia outlined his strategic goals for this year focusing on strengthening internal operations, updating membership databases, and producing a Coffee Table Book documenting ASSEAN JCI’s impactful initiatives and works. His leadership philosophy is embodied in his motto, “Let’s go to work… and work together!” As a leader deeply rooted in public service not only in his hometown Davao City, Garcia’s approach to his presidency is to ensure that ASSEAN remains pro-active in addressing challenges and creating opportunities among member countries, especially in the Philippines.
The nine ASSEAN member countries are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Myanmar. It has about 200 members among its ASSEAN member countries. It empowers individuals through leadership training, business networking and community development initiatives. PR