On 09 September 2026, fourteen fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) students of the University of San Agustin (USA) engaged students and members of the International Relations Department of Universitas Jayabaya in Jakarta in a focus group discussion (FGD) on Philippine foreign policy, regional leadership, and the Philippines’ role in ASEAN.
The focus group discussion, themed “From Manila to ASEAN: Philippine Foreign Policy and Regional Leadership — The Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and Its Role in a Changing Southeast Asia,” provided an avenue for Filipino and Indonesian students to exchange perspectives on Philippine foreign policy, the country’s role and leadership within ASEAN, and the significance of its ASEAN Chairship amid the evolving political, economic, and strategic dynamics of Southeast Asia.
The discussion explored how the Philippines engages with ASEAN and how its foreign policy priorities intersect with broader regional concerns. It also encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of ASEAN cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among Southeast Asian countries.
Beyond the formal discussion, the FGD provided an opportunity for students from the two universities to engage directly with one another and develop a deeper appreciation of their respective perspectives on Southeast Asia.
For Bia Audrey Garque, the discussion helped broaden her understanding of the Philippines’ role in ASEAN by placing it within a wider regional perspective.
“The FGD gave us an opportunity to look at the Philippines’ role in ASEAN from a regional perspective. Hearing the views of Indonesian students helped us appreciate that ASEAN cooperation is shaped not only by governments and institutions, but also by the shared experiences and perspectives of its people.”
Arlyn Aurelio highlighted the value of direct dialogue with Indonesian students in understanding regional cooperation.
“What made the discussion meaningful was the openness of the exchange. We were able to share how we see the Philippines’ role in ASEAN while also listening to how our Indonesian counterparts understand regional cooperation. These conversations made ASEAN feel more personal and relevant to us as future Foreign Service professionals.”
For Janine Saligumba, the engagement demonstrated how dialogue and friendship can complement formal diplomatic relations.
“The discussion reminded us that diplomacy begins with dialogue and understanding. Beyond learning about ASEAN, we were able to build connections with fellow students and experience the warmth and openness of our Indonesian counterparts. These friendships are also part of what makes regional cooperation meaningful.”
The visit to Universitas Jayabaya was among the academic engagements of the USA delegation during its Indonesia International Academic and Cultural Exchange Program from 03 to 11 September 2026, which included institutional visits, academic exchanges, cultural activities, and engagements with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta.
Through these experiences, the University continues to strengthen the international exposure of its Foreign Service students while advancing its commitment to internationalization, regional understanding, and meaningful people-to-people engagement in ASEAN.
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