Held in Vientiane today, the ceremonial turnover of the leadership for the ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ (AMMD) brought together senior officials from the Philippines and the Lao Peopleโs Democratic Republic, reinforcing the depth of cooperation among ASEAN Member States in addressing drug-related concerns.
Representing Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, the Philippine delegation was led by Dangerous Drugs Board Executive Director – Undersecretary Earl Saavedra, and Her Excellency Elizabeth Te, Philippine Ambassador to the Lao PDR.
Joining the ceremony were key Lao counterparts from the Ministry of Public Security, the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including senior officials responsible for counter-narcotics operations, planning and cooperation, international relations, and ASEAN coordination.
In his acceptance video message, Secretary Valenzuela highlighted that beyond the AMMD transfer ceremonial significance, the gathering emphasized the institutional relationships and sustained dialogue that support ASEANโs collective responses to illicit drugs. It reflected years of shared work among national authorities, linking policy direction, law enforcement cooperation, and diplomatic engagement, toward common regional goals.
The presence of officials across security, foreign affairs, and drug control institutions affirms the importance ASEAN places on coordination, continuity, and mutual trust in addressing challenges that transcend national borders.
