EDUCATION Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio suggested that languages of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations should be offered in schools and universities.

The education official said that the youth should be encouraged to learn different languages to build relationships with other nations.

“We all know that if we are successful in providing our children with access to quality education, coupled with a deep sense of love of country and fellowmen, our future is secured. One of the ways to involve the ASEAN youth is to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skill set needed in a highly competitive environment,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“ASEAN languages may be offered in our schools and universities… I believe it is high time we encourage our youth to learn each other’s national languages. With a collaborative and nurturing environment within our region, we allow our youth to grow and mature as ASEAN citizens while forging meaningful friendships and relationships with their ASEAN neighbors,” she added.

The Vice President said that young people of ASEAN deserve a “future characterized by stability, prosperity, increased mobility, and competitiveness.”

“I believe that for ASEAN to be able to successfully pursue its regional agenda, to be able to maintain its strong presence in the world, we should seriously invest in our youth,” she added.