The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) jointly hosted the Philippine celebration of the 58th founding anniversary of the United Nations (UN) on 24 October 2003, at the Cuartel de Sta. Lucia-PC Barracks in Intramuros, Manila.

Joining Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople was Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab, representing Secretary Richard Gordon, as they led the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests in the traditional reception to commemorate UN Day.

In his message during the reception, Secretary Ople thanked UN members for the support and confidence they demonstrated in electing the Philippines to a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC), citing that membership in the elite 15-member Council is “a badge of honor in the international community.”

The Secretary emphasized that the term of the Philippines in the UNSC will be characterized by consensus building, particularly on the more difficult areas, as well as consultation with Council members to amplify dialogue with all parties concerned on particular political issues.

The Secretary also reaffirmed the country’s belief in the role of the United Nations in world affairs, as he ended his message with a call to action in light of the Organization’s 58th founding anniversary.

“Let us remember that we are in a position, by our commitment to the founding ideals of the United Nations and no less than by our wisdom and statesmanship, to transform this opportunity into a goal attained, an age-old dream finally realized,” Secretary Ople said.

Also at the reception, newly designated UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines Deborah Landey read the UN Day Message of Secretary General Kofi Annan, which highlights the UN’s resolve to be steadfast in its mission even during these difficult times for the Organization and the world.

“We must continue that work of serving humanity wherever its needs are greatest.  We must continue helping you, the peoples of the world, to find common solutions to common problems.  And we will.  We will continue our efforts to tackle poverty, disease, climate change, and the spread of small arms.  And we will also work together to fight terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.  We do not have to choose.  The United Nations must confront all these threats at once,” the Secretary General’s message read.
 

The reception at Intramuros was only the culminating activity of a weeklong series of programs and events that took place from 18 -24 October 2003.  This is in accordance with the recently issued Presidential Proclamation No.483, dated 06 October 2003, declaring that week of October 2003 and of every year thereafter as United Nations Week in the Philippines.

Traditionally, the UN Day reception is held at the DFA Auditorium.  This year, however, it was decided to hold the reception at the Intramuros in order to showcase the revival and renaissance of the historic walled city, and promote Philippine history and culture.

This year’s UN Week was officially opened with a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb site of the late General Carlos P. Romulo last 20 October at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.  Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Sonia Brady and UN Resident Coordinator, a.i. Zahidul Huque were joined by Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun and General Romulo’s widow Ms. Beth Day-Romulo.

The choice of the wreath Iaying ceremony as opening activity was meant to pay tribute to a great Filipino who embodied the commitment of our nation to the ideals and aspirations of the UN.

Throughout the week, various activities were held by the Philippine government, UN agencies, and Civil Society partners like the UN Association of the Philippines (UNAP) in line with this year’s UN anniversary celebration theme, which is to promote the International Year of Freshwater.

One such activity is an ecological exhibit organized by the Philippine Normal University and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  Through these activities, the Philippines has lived up meaningfully to the UN General Assembly’s exhortation for its members to raise public awareness of the UN’s work and many its crucial accomplishments over the past 58 years.  END.