The ASEANnale 2023, a hybrid cultural dialogue fostering collaboration and innovation within the ASEAN community and a part of the TriConference organized by the UP Open University, marked its successful conclusion with a closing ceremony on 25 August 2023 at the Drilon Hall of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in Los Banos, Laguna and online via Tricon Platform. The ASEANnale 2023 Conference which spanned two days of insightful discussions, video showcases, and culinary delights, brought together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from across ASEAN nations to celebrate the spirit of unity and progress.
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Joselito Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director and the host of the event. On behalf of the organizing committee, he extended his gratitude to the attendees for their spirited engagement throughout the ASEANnale 2023.
Commencing the Ceremony, Dr. Florendo, extended his warm welcome to the participants, conveying heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering engagement throughout the ASEANnale 2023. The spotlight was then turned to three remarkable individuals for their remarkable contributions with the prestigious awards: the Best Paper Award, the Best Video and Multimedia Award, and the Most Sustainable AI-Generated Recipe Award.
The Best Paper Award was presented to Ms. April Rose Nalangan for her paper entry titled “Navigating Gendered Waters: The Role of ASEAN Framework in Protecting and Promoting Women Seafarer’s Rights in the Maritime Industry.” The paper explores the ASEAN Framework’s role in protecting and promoting women seafarers’ rights in selected ASEAN countries–Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore through the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework 2021–2025. The award was presented by Prof. Rolando Talampas, the Chair of the adjudication panel for the Best Paper Award.
The Best Video and Multimedia Award recognized the visionary work of Lesly Christian Silang titled “YAKAP.” The video tells the story of Chris, a young boy who explored the world with a view of peculiarities. As he was thrilled on his first interaction with a boy, kids started making fun of him. Grew up disguising his identity. He copes with humiliation and concealment, his sad memories marked, but begins to embrace his identity. Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Chair of the adjudication panel for the Best Video and Multimedia Award, presented the award to Professor Benigno B. Agapito Jr., Dean of the School of Media Studies, Mapúa University, and Mr. Silang’s adviser, who accepted the honor on behalf of the awardee.
The Most Sustainable AI-Generated Recipe Award was secured by Ms. Mary Rose Gemma S. Rodriguez’s AI-Generated recipe, “Free Range Chicken with Native Lemon and Alupidan Leaves in Coconut Cream.” Her culinary innovation added a delicious dimension to the ASEANnale’s mission of promoting sustainability. The award was presented by Dr. Consuelo Habito, Chair of the adjudication panel for the Most Sustainable AI-Generated Recipe Award.
The esteemed panel of adjudicators for each award category played a crucial role in the selection process:
Best Paper Award for ISAS:
Chaired by Prof. Rolando Talampas
Members: Dr. Joefe Santarita and Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao
Best Video and Multimedia Award:
Chaired by Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso
Members: Dr. Alexander Flor and Dr. Arminda Santiago
Most Sustainable AI-Generated Recipe:
Chaired by Dr. Consuelo Habito
Members: Dr. Marites Yee and Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam
The winners of each category were selected based on rigorous criteria that highlighted their contributions, relevance, quality, creativity, and impact. These awards recognize outstanding work that aligns with the theme “Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, Innovations.”
Finally, the stage welcomed two thought leaders, UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and SEARCA Deputy Director Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, for their closing messages. Their insights are poised to infuse our collective consciousness with fresh perspectives on promoting innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of our environment, culture, and food security within the ASEAN region.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the horizon of TRICON 2025, a future convergence that promises new avenues of exploration and collaboration.
ASEANnale 2023 is part of Tri-conference 2023 held from 21 to 25 August 2023, organized by UPOU in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI), and the Philippine Society for Distance Learning (PSDL). The Tri-conference includes the ICODEL 2023, International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence (ISEAC 2023), and the ASEANnale, which share the same theme: Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, Innovations. Tri-Conference is sponsored and supported by Concentrix (Platinum Sponsor), Near-Life, the Development Bank of the Philippines and Nephila Web Technology, Inc (Gold Sponsors), and the following Exhibit Partners: Digital Freedom Network, Disini Law, Veterans Bank, Land Bank, and DOST-PCAARRD.
Written by Tri-Conference 2023 Publicity Committee
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