NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – The Philippine Navy kicked off the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Navy Young Officers Interaction (ANYOI) in an opening ceremony conducted with Rear Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Chief of Naval Staff as the Guest of Honor and Speaker on Tuesday, June 25, in Zambales.

"We, as ASEAN navies, and you as the sentinels of the maritime domain, must find it crucial to stand as one ASEAN—unified and interoperable—just like how the seas have become the niche that connects and binds us," Rear Adm. Ezpeleta said as he emphasized the importance of unity among ASEAN navies.

With the theme "Empowering ASEAN Young Leaders for Progressive Cooperation towards a Peaceful and Secure Maritime Region," this year's ANYOI is hosted by the Philippine Navy as part of the ASEAN Navy Chief's Meeting, which aims to provide young ASEAN naval officers with opportunities to develop and strengthen relationships with their counterparts in the ASEAN navies.

"May this year's 11th ANYOI be a foundation for you to foster the spirit of collaboration and solidarity, embrace the rich cultural ASEAN heritage, and build bridges of understanding and cooperation to promote a peaceful and secure maritime region," Rear Adm. Ezpeleta added.

ANYOI is an an annual event hosted by each of the ten ASEAN navies on a rotational basis. Each country sends two officers, ranked Lieutenant Junior Grade or 1st Lieutenant to Lieutenant or Captain, to build positive relationships, strengthen regional maritime security, and promote future collaboration.

PUBLISHED BY:    Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO) CDR JOHN PERCIE A ALCOS PN(GSC) Director, Naval Public Affairs Office