In celebration of cultural unity and inclusivity, University of Antique students, faculty, staff, and administrators donned the traditional costumes of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to kick-off the ASEAN Month celebration at Tiripunan Hall today, August 4, 2025.

Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., UA President, urged everyone to reflect on the deeper values that the ASEAN stands for – unity, inclusivity, and sustainability – emphasizing that despite their differences, ASEAN member states share one roof and sky, united by a shared vision, mission, and goal.

“When we celebrate the ASEAN, we are not just waving flags or wearing national costume, we are embracing something far more meaningful, a vision of our region where no one is left behind and where development is not just for today but for more generations to come,” Dr. Crespo further stated.

The UA Red-Antbassadors, the academe’s student ambassadors, were also relaunched during the program through the oath-taking of new members. They are expected to support the academe’s internationalization activities.

Aside from the Philippines’ Filipiniana and Barong, the Kasubays were also seen wearing the traditional wear of other ASEAN member states like Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The program commenced through a community dance led by the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) students, UA Student Government, and Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP).