Understanding the Filipino nation, as well as its culture and heritage, is important in the task of addressing contemporary issues on the national and global stage.
This was the core message at the opening ceremony of Dialogo: Philippine Studies Goes Global, the first international conference on Philippine Studies. Organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Asian Center in partnership with the Office of Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The conference brought together scholars, faculty and other exponents of Philippine Studies, and members of the diplomatic corps. It was held on November 27 at the Ramon Magsaysay Center in Malate, Manila.
With the theme, “Philippine Studies Goes Global,” the conference aimed to initiate a dialogue among scholars to “promote and enrich understanding of the Philippines through various perspectives of global scholarship.” The three-day conference provided a platform for universities to present their research and initiatives related to Philippine Studies, and to formulate policy recommendations towards strengthening the discipline.
Universities and colleges in the Philippines, as well as overseas academic institutions with existing Philippine Studies programs, were invited to participate in this conference.
UP President Angelo Jimenez opened the ceremony with a message, citing the conference as “an essential space for knowledge sharing, intercultural understanding, and policy dialogue.” He also underscored the importance of “creating a transformative education” that serves both the nation and the world.
The conference convenors, Asst. Sec. Celia Anna Feria of the DFA-Office of Cultural Diplomacy and Prof. Henelito Sevilla of the UP Asian Center, delivered messages as well, each explaining the relevance of Philippine Studies in the national and global context. Sevilla said that Philippine history “has shaped and has been shaped by global currents.” Meanwhile, Feria stated that the discipline not only brings the Philippine narrative to the world but also strengthens the country’s foreign policy.
Joining the event as the guest speaker was Sen. Loren Legarda, cited as a “champion of Philippine heritage” by Ambassador Feria. Legarda, along with the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, led the initiative to institutionalize the Philippine Studies Program in academic institutions abroad. In her message, Legarda stressed the importance of the program as a way to understand and promote Philippine culture and heritage. As she reiterated her commitment to advancing Philippine Studies on the global stage, Legarda announced that her office has allocated 20 million pesos for next year’s Philippine Studies Program.
A keynote lecture by Prof. Ramon Guillermo, Director of the Center for International Studies opened the three-day conference.
Guillermo said that based on the model suggested by their book, “Ang Diablo sa Filipinas: ayon sa nasasabi sa mga casulatan luma sa Kastila,” Philippine Studies “is portrayed as a dialogo or conversation,” a dialogue that must be democratic in spirit. He said that “inequalities” among scholarly practices must be “transformed collectively.”
Other conference activities included parallel sessions, roundtable discussions, and cultural tours of the National Museums and Intramuros. Filipino historian, Dr. Reynaldo Ileto, was also invited to deliver a keynote lecture on day two of the conference.
