Towards a Resilient ASEAN
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic and devastating
loss of human lives, livelihoods, economies, and an exorbitant amount of financial
resources. Southeast Asia is one of the first regions to experience its repercussions
because of its geographical proximity, and economic and trade relations to China - the
origin of the virus. The number of confirmed cases is rapidly escalating, the economies
have slumped, and poverty is spreading. It threatens to negate years of efforts to extirpate
poverty and achieve progress. As a unified regional bloc, the ASEAN engages in its
member states’ efforts to remain globally competitive and resilient amidst this pandemic
through constantly checking on their responses, posting COVID-19 updates, preparing a
region-wide response and mechanisms, and constituting a post-pandemic recovery plan.
The COVID-19 pandemic came as a shock; the world has arguably proven itself
unprepared for it. There were obviously no adequate preventive measures because we
have never experienced or imagined a pandemic as intense and fast-spreading as this
before. It has inflicted suffering and damages grave enough to leave the world in
fragments. Such a global phenomenon demands global cooperation and organization for
us to finally see the end of it. This is not a time for competition and contention rather, this
is when strengthening bonds amongst countries is most crucial. If the Southeast Asian
region move as one, it will be easier to rise again from the ashes that COVID-19 has
burned. As an initiative on cooperation, the leaders of the member states of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) utilize digital platforms, among others,
to communicate with each other and discuss COVID-19-related matters. They hold highlevel meetings such as videoconferences, ASEAN Summits, and, recently, the ASEAN
Chairmanship 2021 to exchange views and dialogues on various drastic measures and
responses to employ to overcome the emerging challenges brought about by the COVID19 pandemic, and to hasten economic recovery in Southeast Asian countries. This
initiative allows opportunity for leaders to reach out and manifest that they also care about
the current state of other countries. Though this may be a particularly tough era, it is a
comfort that organizations such as the ASEAN is specially dedicated to promoting
establishing good relations and maintaining peace between member states. It highlights
the idea that no one- no country, is alone or is being left behind; this is a collaborative
attempt to bounce back from the emerging challenges thus every country is equally
needed and important.
During the first few months of the outbreak, a myriad of trolls and unreliable
sources sprouted all over the internet and took advantage of the public’s fear and cause
panic and distrust towards the states’ governments and their responses. One of the
actions that exemplify that ASEAN cares for its member states is their regular posting of
COVID-19 updates and information. Through the ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre
Network, the bloc continues to disseminate situational updates; and publicize accurate
analyses of the nature and spread of the disease by the ASEAN Bio-Diaspora Regional
Virtual Centre. ASEAN emphasizes the importance of sharing and accessing accurate
technical information to enabling member states’ governance policies and movement
controls, and identifying appropriate and effective measures and protocols. The ASEAN
Risk Assessment and Risk Communication Centre handled information and misinformation management. ASEAN public health and emergency response agencies had
also been alerted and were quick to act. Defeating misinformation and ignorance about
the virus and its risks is vital in the efficiency and effectivity of the states’ responses
because it inspires cooperation from the masses. Access to accurate and reliable
information helps the member states to formulate appropriate responses and solutions,
take responsible and reflective actions, and become globally competitive.
When the COVID-19 outbreak was first declared as a pandemic, countries from
around the region implemented varied responses and mitigation strategies. Some
countries immediately closed their borders while some have been indecisive and acted
much slower. While this pandemic exposed deficiencies in the governments and created
a stage for power competition and rivalry, ASEAN organized a unified and collective effort
manifesting its commitment to undertake regional economic recovery. It aims to fortify the
region’s resiliency and ability to recoil from challenges, and to help reset global order. Its
response was cohesive and immediate. ASEAN Guidelines on the Provisions for
Emergency Assistance was implemented as soon as international borders were shut
down to extend mutual assistance in repatriating citizens to their home countries safely.
In the recent Special ASEAN Summit, the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund was
created to financially sustain the procurement of essential medical equipment and
supplies such as vaccines. This will help the health systems to recover from the
overwhelming surge of COVID-19 patients and inadequacy of medical support. The
health sector is obviously the center of this pandemic, so it must be intensified and
provided with enough support. The ASEAN PLUS THREE Senior Officials Meeting for
Health Development (APT SOMHD) had convened to talk about ways to improve the
coordination and cooperation to prevent and contain COVID-19 virus spread. The officials
affirmed to the continuous exchange of guidelines and materials on prevention and
treatment measures, and public awareness. Through these, ASEAN was able to create
a platform for public health security cooperation. Travel arrangements were also
discussed to enable necessary business travels across the region while regulating public
health and safety. This will facilitate the transnational trading and business relations and
improve the supply chain and economic resilience. The member states pledged to work
closely with one another, in the ASEAN Way, to reduce the effects of the pandemic and
restabilize the economies. ASEAN Council oversees the implementation of the programs
and allocating of funds to ensure that all resources are used effectively. These timely and
cohesive response have been fruitful as restrictions are already relaxing in some parts of
the region like Vietnam and Singapore. These exhibit the ASEAN member states’
enthusiasm to step up and cooperate amidst a crisis and in the augmentation of
economies and business confidence.
The varied containment and mitigating strategies such as lockdowns, travel
restrictions, and quarantines have caused major disruptions in the region’s international
trade which led to the standstill of the economies. However, ASEAN is inclined to prepare
for a resilient and progressive future. Improving health and medical systems is a top
priority in the COVID-19 recovery plan in preparation for potential exposure to future
health threats. Formulation of affordable, accessible, and equitable vaccines are
encouraged and supported. ASEAN is also reinvesting in the Tourism sector and Trade
sector to facilitate in rebuilding the economy. Small and medium enterprises would be
enabled to revive the business industry. Reconnecting trade links that have been marred
by the pandemic would be prominently featured in the efforts to recover and get back on
track to global prosperity and growth. Complete recovery is still a long way ahead but if
the member states continue to acknowledge the importance of unity and cooperation,
nothing is impossible.
This global dilemma shook the world and has reversed any progress in alleviating
poverty and bolstering economy. It has also exposed deficiencies in human governance.
However, it also served as a call to reorganize the existing regional security approaches
and recalibrate. It highlighted the need for humanity and cooperation in achieving a goal.
As the ASEAN motto says, “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.