5 Advantages of ASEAN Integration in the Philippines

Last November 2017, ASEAN celebrated its 50th anniversary and the event was attended by leaders
from around the world. Apart from the event’s success, it’s important to understand that ASEAN isn’t
a mere organization for leaders to get together and make merry. It’s about the betterment of the
people and the economy. Here are other reasons why the ASEAN is helping boost our economy more
than you think:

1. Easier and cheaper travel options for everyone

Of course, it only makes sense that ASEAN wants to provide easier travel services for their service
providers. However, even citizens can enjoy the benefit of improved air, sea, or land travel. Thanks to
ASEAN, there are now VISA-free entry countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Last
October 2017, during the 23rd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting, members signed several plans to
improve transportation within the region.

2. Cheaper goods and services

Other than better travel options, ASEAN also gives nations within the region to do more trade for
goods and services. Tax on imported goods is lowered or even eliminated. Navotas Mayor John Rey
Tianco said it best during the 50th ASEAN Anniversary, “A fully-implemented ASEAN Economic
Community could mean lower taxes and tariffs for imported goods and this, in turn, could lead to
lower cost of living and a greater purchasing power for us.”

3. More and better jobs

With the progressive dynamic between the ASEAN region, with easier and cheaper travel options,
goods, and services, it only makes sense that it comes with the extended bonus of better
employment opportunities. Take note, the continent makes up one-third of global GDP. You can only
expect that Asia will keep doing what it can to maintain and exceed this performance. It’s also highly
beneficial to the country’s IT industry, seeing as how ASEAN has 700 million digital consumers. In
fact, by 2025, the sector is expected to grow 500% to $200 billion. One of ASEAN’s goals, after all, is
to decrease “unemployment and underemployment” across the region.

4. More study options

The Filipinos would have more access to better jobs if they are better equipped for these emerging
roles. Thankfully, even the country’s education would be enhanced because of ASEAN integration.
For instance, last August 2017, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs announced in the ASEAN regional
forum in Manila that they would be offering a $10 Million Scholarship Program to support post-
secondary students and mid-career professionals from Southeast Asia. The National University in
Singapore offers scholarships for ASEAN countries for graduate coursework. These are only a few of
the examples of quality international support for Filipino students.

5. The Philippines: Improved

ASEAN contributes to the advancement of the Philippines as a whole. Because of the incredible
support from other Southeast Asian nations, the country is better prepared for globalisation. With
the Filipinos’ way of life eventually improved, it will be no surprise if the economy contains to
perform well in the next few years. ASEAN is one of the many reasons why the Philippines is in a
good and stable pace and potential investors, businessmen, and its citizens need not worry about the
country’s stability.

From the success of last November’s 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, Filipinos should feel
proud and grateful that it is building strong ties with other ASEAN members. Each step taken with
ASEAN is another step taken closer to a better and stabler economy. Be it travel, goods and services,
education and work opportunities — the Philippines is getting closer to tapping into its great
potential.

Reference:http://www.eastvantage.com/blog/5-advantages-asean-integration-philippines