President Randolf Sevidal Vicente with Honorary Presidents Pingeran Matusin Matasan and Vice President Ady Ruchiatan visited the Office of His Excellency Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia
In pursuance to the mandate and obligations of the ASEAN FLAG, being a Civil Society Organization duly recognized and accredited by ASEAN, President Randy organized a visit-meeting on 11 April 2019 at around 11:00 AM with His Excellency (HE) Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN. The visit was in deed a pronouncement of President Randy during his inaugural speech in Brunei during the 14th South East Asia Survey Congress saying that: “During my watch, I will see to it that ASEAN FLAG will reach the platform of ASEAN”.
The ASEAN FLAG delegation headed by President Randy was cordially received by HE Lim and Mr. Tan Tai Hoing, Assistant Director, Market Integration Directorate, ASEAN Economic Community Department. The meeting started with a short welcoming message from HE Lim. It was followed by an expression of gratitude from President Randy for the warm accommodation. The discussion continued with the purposes of the visit-meeting which include the following: (a) invitation for HE Lim as Keynote Speaker in the 15th Southeast Asia Survey Congress (SEASC) in Darwin, Australia on 14 – 18 August 2019; (b) Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) in pursuance to the objectives of the Coordinating Committee on Services (CCS); (c) ASEAN Land Governance Events; (d) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; and (e) other matters.
Considering that HE Lim does not have anything on above said dates based on his appointment book, he mentioned that he may be able to attend the Congress in Darwin. On the matter of MRA-CCS, Mr. Matusin gave a short background on and status of MRA in Surveying for the appreciation of the Secretary General. President Randy likewise mentioned that there is a proposal covering Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) for the “Establishment of a Legal Framework on Surveying Registration and Licensing to Facilitate Free Movement of Professional Land Surveyor in ASEAN”, which is being discussed in the recent meetings of the Competent Authorities (MoCA) for Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) in Surveying. HE Lim was requested to support the initiative by way of endorsing the same to possible funding agencies or institutions so that the objectives of the said proposal will be realized. Nonetheless, HE Lim assured the delegation that they will look into it and see how it can be properly endorsed to funding institutions. He added that they will work with the Competent Authorities as well as ASEAN FLAG and other relevant partners.
President Randy handed-over the two Declarations signed by the guests and delegates of the First and Second ASEAN Land Governance Summits held in Manila and Sabah on 4 and 5 December 2017 and 15 and 16 August 2018, respectively. It was requested that the contents of the two Declarations serve as guide in future related initiatives and that support of HE Lim was sought for the realization of the intent and spirit of said documents. Along this line, VP Ady gave a brief situationer concerning the Indonesian scenario on land governance insinuating, among others, the call for stronger regional ties/cooperation and urgent need to expedite the documentation and approval of ASEAN MRA in Surveying. President Randy promised HE Lim that the Federation will continue to sustain regional cooperation and foster genuine fellowship and camaraderie among Surveyors in the region.
Before the meeting ended up, President Randy conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm accommodation and for a very fruitful meeting. A special token of appreciation was subsequently handed-over to HE Lim.
