24 February 2005 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G.Romulo challenged the new and reappointed members of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) to vigorously pursue the goals and objectives of the UNESCO Constitution of instilling in the minds of the peoples the visions of peace.

In remarks after administering the oath of office of the UNACOM members during a simple ceremony at the DFA’s Bulwagang Blas F. Ople, Secretary Romulo, who is also Chairman of UNACOM, cited the Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution that states: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed”.   Secretary Romulo stressed that “this statement is meant to inspire and uplift everyone involved as UNESCO pursues its mandate with hope.”  .

The Foreign Affairs Secretary lauded the noble objectives set by UNESCO being a special body that “pursues the goals of education, science (natural and social), culture and communication”.   Secretary Romulo pointed out that “these goals are meant to transcend the often heated and fractious world of politics”.

The UN declared 2005-2014 as the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development  (DESD) and according to Secretary Romulo the vision of UNACOM is “to achieve a world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learn the values, behaviour, and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation”.

“All of us in UNACOM have this responsibility to fulfil, and I know that you share my deep conviction that our country and people deserve to benefit from the work we will be doing,” Secretary Romulo said.

The newly appointed and reappointed UNACOM commissioners are Erlinda Pefianco (education), Mariquita Mendoza (education), Gabriel Lopez (culture), Florangel Rosario Braid (communication), Norma Japitana (communication), Eric Canoy (communication), Vilma Labrador (education), Jose Antonio Gonzalez (culture), Kristin Karen Davila (communication), Josef Teofisto Yap (social and human science), Ruperto Alonzo (social and human science), Ma. Lourdes Orijola (science and technology) and Mr. Robert Garon (communication).   Ms. Carmen Padilla graced the occasion as guest and chairperson of the culture committee.

Secretary Romulo said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed them as members of UNACOM  “not only because of your expertise but more for what you have done to make a difference as practitioners in your respective fields.”  The Foreign Secretary called on the UNACOM Commissioners to consider their new role “as a privilege and a chance to share your knowledge on a wider and more coordinated scale.”

The UNACOM is chaired by Secretary Romulo with Mrs. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde as the Vice Chairperson and Mrs. Preciosa S. Soliven as the Secretary General. END
 

/jay