UNESCO and the Philippines : 
Toward another 60 years of fruitful partnership

Remarks by Dr. Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines

on the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippines ’ Membership to UNESCO 
DFA lobby, 23 February 2007  

Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps,
Secretary Jesli Lapus,
UNESCO Jakarta Director Dr. Hubert Gijzen, 
UNACOM Secretary-General Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, 
Commissioner Nona Ricafort, 
Distinguished Guests, Friends, and 
Former Education Secretary and former UNACOM Secretary-General Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing, who is the only Filipina recognized for her contribution to the UNESCO.  

I warmly welcome you all to the 60^th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippines ' Membership to the UNESCO.  

The Philippines joined UNESCO on November 21, 1946, a year after the Organization's birth. At that time, the world was still recovering from the greatest conflict in human history. UNESCO's mission then, as now, was to build a safer world through international collaboration in education, science and culture. It aims to build peace in the minds of men and women as a bulwark against war and violence.  

The Philippines salutes UNESCO's special role in pioneering universal concepts and standards on emerging ethical issues. We laud its assistance to the Philippines and other Member States in human and institutional capacity-building to improve the quality of life of our peoples.  

The Philippines fully supports UNESCO's endeavor to foster the conditions for true dialogue across barriers of culture, ethnicity, faith, and social separation.  

We are one in promoting mutual understanding based upon respect for our common humanity and for the intrinsic value of each civilization and culture.

This critical task of enhancing global dialogue is particularly important now, for we must all marshal our ranks and resources to combat terrorism, which is the mortal scourge of our era. Towards this end, the Philippines , with UNESCO and other partners, will continue to advocate deeper interfaith dialogue for peace and development, and against extremism and hatred.  

In the Philippines , UNESCO has been implementing a broad, active, and effective program for many years. The Photo-Exhibit, which we unveiled today, showcases our joint achievements in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture and communication.  

Education is the key strategic dimension of nation-building. UNESCO's assistance throughout the spectrum of the Philippine educational system, therefore, is of the utmost importance.  

We are very glad to cooperate with UNESCO in both formal and non-formal education; and from early childhood, through elementary school, to professional, high school and in the lifelong learning scheme.  

Education will remain a priority for our joint efforts. In this connection, under the concept of "Education for All," we would welcome broader cooperation for the benefit of our migrant workers. We will also pursue the establishment of the UNESCO Regional Center for Lifelong Learning in Southeast Asia . And for these, we salute Ambassador Soliven.  

Protecting our environment, for both the present and the future generations, is a critical responsibility. To address this responsibility, Puerto Galera and the Province of Palawan have been declared as Biosphere Reserves under the framework of UNESCO's Program on Man and the Biosphere. These Biosphere Reserves will preserve delicate eco-systems and the unique culture and lifestyles of their inhabitants.  

UNESCO has also actively supported cooperation in the social and human science. In this sector, the UNACOM Social and Human Sciences Committee, in coordination with the Philippine Social Science Council, published four books under "The Social Studies Curriculum and Textbook Review" project in 2001-2004.  

The Committee also started the "Health Curriculum and Textbook Review," in coordination with the National Institute for Health of the University of the Philippines .  

In the cultural sector, we deeply appreciate UNESCO's technical and financial assistance in conserving our priceless World Heritage Sites located in various parts of the Philippines . The Philippines boasts of five such sites, namely; the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park ; the four Philippine Baroque Churches; the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras; the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan ; and the Historic Town of Vigan.

We look forward to the designation of the Batanes Cultural Landscapes as one more World Heritage Site in the Philippines .  

In this globalizing world, access to information and knowledge, as well as freedom of expression, are crucial elements of empowerment. On a practical level, they encourage communication for the benefit of all.  

Immediately after the Guinsaugon tragedy, for example, the UNESCO Director-General himself promptly released funding to establish the e-Communication Center for Health Emergency Management in Eastern Visayas . The Department of Health and the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication were partners in this initiative.  

Another pilot site for this e-Center is the Payatas Community, in Quezon City , set up in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communication Technology.  

I am honored, in closing, to reiterate our deep appreciation for UNESCO's many years of service in the Philippines . May I add my thanks to the Member-Commissioners of the UNESCO National Commission for their tireless efforts in contributing to UNESCO's many achievements.  

Today, we see the fruits of the collective efforts at the UNESCO bearing abundant fruit here in our country. Indeed, UNESCO and the UNESCO National Commission demonstrate what the eminent Dag Hammarskjold has pointed how "The more we do, the more we can do."  

I would also like to express my most sincere gratitude to our partner organizations that have been cooperating with us throughout the past six decades. We look forward to a sustained partnership in the years ahead, a partnership that continues to fortify the ramparts of peace in the hearts and minds of men and women, in the Philippines and in the greater community of nations.  

This celebration is in your honor.  

60 years of significant accomplishments is an auspicious beginning. And together, we will continue to do more. For, to paraphrase Dag Hammarskjold, the pursuit of peace and progress can never be relaxed nor abandoned.  

Thank you and good morning! END

/jay

(Home)