Do you think the ASEAN Integrations goal to Unify to Compete would increase our

economic competence in the global market?

By: Theresa Kate Palompon

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, more commonly known as the ASEAN, has long
presented the blueprint on the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community which strives
to create a single market and production base for all its members. It also upholds the economic
harmonization of all the members of the ASEAN in terms of tariff rates; flow of goods and
services; and even currencies. Little did we know, our country, which has been a part of the
association since its birth in 1967, has already been imposing incremental changes that would
try to help step up our game as we merge with our neighboring countries to compete, as one,
against the global market.

A very good example of these changes would be the implementation of the K-12 curriculum
which has been a controversial source of argument in our country at present. As our country
participates in upholding this goal, successive turn of events would be inevitable. One way or
another, the ASEAN Integration would affect our nation as we cooperate in achieving its goal
to be a single economic region fully integrated into the global economy. However, the real
question here is whether this advocacy would enhance our capabilities as a nation , or would it
just let us rise in the shadows of our neighbors.

For me, this ASEAN goal would not help the economic competence of the Philippines. It is
because our country has not yet reached the point where our economy can compete with other
Southeast Asian countries. Even though they are willing to unite all of the ASEAN countries, so
that the third world countries may be able to compete internationally, this is not a guarantee that
this goal will be realized on a long-term basis due to the fact that there will always be internal
conflicts or disputes in other countries that they will prioritize in the future. That is why, in my
opinion, it is better if our country will not rely on other countries in increasing our economic
competence, but our government should first and foremost solve corruption and other problems
in our economy so that unifying with other countries will be beneficial and not be a burden due
to our own economic incompetence. Rachelle Menfal, BSA-1

I believe that it will increase our economic competence as when our students and workers
degrees are going to be accepted within the continent, then this opens a door for new and better
experiences for everyone. The more experienced one would be, the more globally
acknowledged we would become. Christianne Leigh Francia, Pharmacy 1
I guess so, I dont really know much about this. If we were to unite alle, the Southeast Asian
nations, we would help each other to riselift our economic standing and be globally competent. I
dont really know much, plus it doesnt matter if we rise move up in theour economic standing
since the rise of economy is not an assurance that poverty would be eradicated. Sol
Langomez, Pharmacy 1

I think it would increase our economic competence since we would act as one region and
hopefully, share resources among ourselves. What we dont have, what we lack and what we
dont know could be answered and given by the other countries involved in the ASEAN
Integration, which would be very beneficial tofor us., Wand we could also share what we have
and know with them. Several countries included in the Integration have done well for
themselves and hopefully, if our country plays our cards well and abides by the laws, we could
do well for ourselves and develop our country, especially our economy, in a way that would
solve the most prevalent problems we now face. Vinz Martina Bacay, BSCE 2

Yes, it increases our economic competence because as an association of nations, it serves as

a platform in which a participating country may showcase its own abilities and assets in terms of
politics, culture and even its economy. Paunie Navarro, BS Archi-1

Yes, the ASEAN Integration will definitely increase the Philippines economic competence in the
global market. However, the real question lies in the countrys readiness for the said
integration. Gail Ando, BSA- 2

Unification of different Southeast Asian countries does help in increasing the economic
competence of the country. When one country is fully aware of the capabilities of the other
member countries, itthey will strive hard to be able to get to their level of other developed
countries or even surpass them. It is just like people working for the same company, their job is
to make the company better, but at the same time, they are competing on who is better at it. On
the contrary, even though the Philippines is well aware right now of the different standings of
most countries, we are just too preoccupied on solving problems that were were caused by the
people in position. If politicians would not practice healthy competition, unification may be a bad
idea after allin the end. Marjorie Pasquil, BS ChemE-1

Yes. Just as the saying goes, In unity and collaboration, there is strength. The weakness of
one countrys economy can be uplifted improved by the other countries strength of the other
countries. Nia Maandig, BS Econ 1
Akoang answer is no because I dont think it would be enough to increase economic
competence. Even if ma unify ang Philippines with other ASEAN countries, but it would not
continue to prosper by itself in a sense, then it would be pointless ra gihapon. Thats only my
standpoint. BSED-Biology 2

The ASEANs goal to unify to compete would increase our economic competence in the
market. If we separate ourselves from the global economy, we cannot compete. Our standards
should be conformed and streamlined withto the standards of the ASEAN. In the Philippines, we
have the sugar and tourism industries which are part of the ten sectors identified as strengths of
the country as well as of other ASEAN nations. Elyzza Ferenal, BSA-1

Yes, because the union of countries would help in the economic growth and development of
our country which is essential in helping solve the problem of poverty. We need to increase our
opportunities, especially in employment. This would help, as well, our economic competence,
globally. Pearl Saornido, BS Econ- BUS 2

Yes, for me, it it can, and will increase our economic competence in the global market because
we know that one of its major purpose is to unify different Southeast Asian nations in order to
support one another in terms of many aspects of development., Wfor what other better ways to
succeed than having other countries, with the same interests and visions, behind your backs. -
Joyce Ursal, BSA-3

In my most honest opinion, I believe that Philippines is not yet ready for the coming ASEAN
Integration because as a whole, our educational system is generations away from our
neighboring countries like Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. The K+12 curriculum, recently
implemented by our government, is a half-baked program., Ofor our classrooms and teachers
are not ready to cater the needs of this curricular change. I am not saying that we cant compete
with them on some aspects, but holistically, we are at a disadvantage. BSAct 4