Thursday, October 8, 2015

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day Celebration

 PHILIPPINE-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATION
by Julli Anne Aurelia

The Philippines and Japan had a tumultuous relationship in the past. Japan occupied the Philippines during the Second World War from 1942 until 1945. This led to a lot of destruction and death in the country and the devastation of the Philippine economy. After the war, the relationship between the countries started to normalize and diplomatic and economic ties were re-established. On July 23, 1956, the Philippine Senate ratified the Reparations Agreement between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines. Because of this, the bilateral ties of the Philippines and Japan have grown in warmth, mutual respect, and solidarity. (Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, n.d.) On July 23, 2006, the first Philippine-Japanese Friendship day was celebrated to mark the 50th anniversary or the Golden Jubilee of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. This year marks the 9th year of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day.
In the past, the Philippine-Japanese friendship day has been celebrated differently by people all over the country. On 2012, the Capitol University of Cagayan de Oro also celebrated the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day. They conducted a Japanese quiz bee and a Japanese song singing contest. Four Japanese students from Soka University attended the event. (Philippines-Japan Friendship Day, n.d.) Last year, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines had a month-long celebration of the Philippine-Japanese friendship. They held a Japanese film festival, the Eiga Sai, in three different places – Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The theme of the festival was “family.” The films warmed the moviegoers’ hearts and made them laugh and cry. They also had a J-Pop Anime Singing and Dance Contest. The contestants showcased their talents to fellow Japanophiles. (Enjoy the Month of July by Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship Month! , 2014)

This year, to join in the celebration and to commemorate this special occasion, the IRFS 141 (Special Topics in International Relations) class had their own event within the confines of JW440. The students decorated the classroom with a Japanese-inspired theme – with colorful paper flowers dominating the decorations. To kick off the event, the students gave a bit of background about the relationship of Japan and the Philippines. The students then discussed the history of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day. They also talked about Japanese and Philippine culture and their similarities and differences. The students also talked about how Japanese culture has influenced the Philippines – zeroing in particularly to the anime and manga invasion that is happening in the country. They further discussed about the sister-city relations between the two countries. They also mentioned the security issues that both Japan and the Philippines share – specifically, about the territorial disputes that they both have with China. To make the celebration more enjoyable, the class partook in Japanese and Japanese-influenced food like sushi, takoyaki and Japanese siomai. Japanese snacks and candies were also served.

It was an afternoon of learning about Japan and celebrating the ties that bind it to the Philippines. In the end, Atty. Archill Capistrano, IRFS track adviser and IRFS 141 teacher, considered the event a success – a happy Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day indeed. 511  

Resolution for Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day

Resolution for Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day
by Yulia Mercader


Historically, the Philippines and Spain did not have a harmonious friendship to begin with. Filipinos know too well the history. In fact, we were taught as children that Spain colonized the Philippines for a very long time ago.  Spain was our colonizer for 300 years. However, with the fall of Baler, the Philippines and Spain had a change in relations.  This ended Spanish capitulation.
The Siege of Baler was a lengthy military operation of Filipino forces against the final Spanish troops in the Philippines who garrisoned in the church in Baler. After the defeat of Spain, the Spanish survivors were granted safe passage through Manila by President Emilio Aguinaldo for them to return to Spain safely. This simple act of gallantry and military honor was the basis of the promulgation of Republic Act. No. 9187, s. 2002, the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. This was a pivotal moment for the relationship of the Philippines and Spain. 
Today, Spain and the Philippines have had a harmonious relationship. Indeed, Spain continues to support the Philippines in aid. The Philippines is the only country in Asia that Spain is helping. In the last five years, Spain has sent 180 euros to the Philippines. Spanish Defense Minister Jose Bono assured that bilateral ties with the countries will continue to strengthen.
It is important to understand these and not be congested in our life but also go beyond our borders. With today’s society, and the advancement of technology we can be citizens beyond our borders, global citizens. And this is one way of honing our understanding of the world. Studying relationships, friendships such as the Philippines and Spain and understanding its impact not just to ourselves but to the world.          
It is important for students to take these celebrations as an opportunity for learning. Other than that, it is important in our development as global citizens to be able to understand the different diversities and our roles in this diversity also. It is through understanding these diversities that we understand how important our role is as citizens of the world. If we know our roles as citizens of the world we begin to think critically of the effects of our actions.
The celebration of these friendship days will also pave way for the students to think critically about global issues. This will allow them to immerse themselves in reading about both countries, not just the history that these countries shared but also how the relationship of both countries developed through the years.
Critical thinking is one important characteristic of a global citizen. This is because for an individual to become a global citizen, one must be knowledgeable of his community. This includes the past and the present.
That is why it important to include these celebrations of Friendship days not just in our classroom discussions but also through forums and dialogues with other International Relations and Foreign Service (IRFS) majors because school, being one of the agents of socialization, helps in forming our perceptions. Therefore, a proposed resolution has been crafted to improve the celebration of the Philippine-Spanish friendship day:

PROPOSED RESOLUNTION
WHEREAS, in recalling Republic Act. No. 9187, s. 2000, declaring June 30 as the Philippine-Spanish Friendship day which corresponds with the anniversary of the Siege of Baler;
WHEREAS, in reiterating the stated proclamation, the International Relations and Foreign Service (IRFS) majors of the University of San Carlos shall emerge themselves in discourse regarding the countries, Philippines and Spain, not just historically but in present day matters as well.
WHEREAS, the celebration of this event could serve as alternative learning for the IRFS majors and can help them think critically and can be open to diversity.
WHEREAS, in celebration of the aforementioned event, IRFS students should organize avenues that would allow IRFS students to discuss topics and issues regarding both mentioned countries. Including other prospects such as info graphic making, poster making, essay writing.
NOW THEREFORE, the Carolinian Circle of Young Diplomats, as moved by member Yulia Karizza Mercader, and seconded by ___________
RESOLVE, to acknowledge that it is an important part of the development of global citizens to be open to diversity and think critically about matters beyond ones borders

RESOLVE, to urge IRFS majors to contribute in celebrating the abovementioned celebration by participating in the different events

The Road to Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World

The Road to Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World
by Alliza Faye Palgan

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or what we know as APEC, has been exerting all its efforts to improve the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region by promoting trade and economic partnerships and at the same time addressing sustainability and social equality. For 25 years, with its 21 member economies working hand in hand, the Asia-Pacific region has soared and progressed.

                As we all know, APEC or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, was held here in Cebu for the past weeks. Having been assigned as a conference management services officer, particularly under the office of documentation, our main task is all about the preparation of documents that will be used during the meetings of the APEC economies. Being an International Relations and Foreign Service major and an APEC volunteer at the same time, our task does not only end on extending our service as volunteers but also involving ourselves in the discourse of the said event. Unfortunately, the expectations that I had imagined that I would be doing as a volunteer during the training days did not meet with what I really did during the APEC days. Volunteers that were assigned under documentation were somewhat isolated from what was happening outside, where the meetings took place. We only get to be inside the conference rooms if we were to deliver the documents we have prepared or get the documents we have delivered when the meetings end. We did not have a direct interaction with any of the delegates, except when we coincidentally ride the elevator and greet them. The only advantage that we had as part of the documentation team, in my own opinion was that, we can see and read the topics that are to be discussed during the meetings.

                With the APEC 2015 theme, "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World," the topic that I would have liked to hear about during the meetings was that of the agenda on how to enhance the Regional Economic Integration. It would have been nice to hear about this since it is one of the main priorities of the Philippines to be discussed during the meetings.
                Unfortunately, due to the situation, I was unable to hear anything about this. What I managed to do instead was read the papers submitted by the delegates. One of the papers that caught my attention was the paper submitted by the APEC Secretariat. It was about the priorities and activities of the Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC) this 2015 wherein it showcased the four priorities of APEC. The priority that it dwelled on the most was that of fostering the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in regional and global markets. It is because SMEs generate employment, catalyze inclusive growth and as well as serve as an engine of development. But a number of trade barriers could impede SMEs participation in the international trade in the APEC region including the problems of navigating various legal, regulatory and technical requirements.
                Having a collaboration with the SME working group (SMEWG), the SCSC endorsed a work plan that specifies the work streams that are to be pursued by the sub-committee. These are the following; exchanging information on packaging and labelling requirements, sharing standards and conformance learning materials; and organizing capacity building activities oriented to training businesses, especially SMEs, to improve their knowledge, expertise and skills on standards and conformance matters, including the conduct of public consultation. SCSC still has a lot of activities scheduled to improve the participation SMEs, as well as the other priorities of APEC, in order for them to achieve their ultimate goal which is to build a more inclusive economy to be able to have a better world.
                Even though I did not get to hear or witness any of the meetings that were conducted, being able to participate in an event that is of great importance to our country and also being able to leave a good impression on the economies that visited, that is already a great achievement for me. 678 words

Reference: Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2015, from http://www.apec.org/Groups/Committee-on-Trade-and-Investment/Sub-Committee-on-Standards-and-Conformance.aspx

Reasserting US hegemony

Reasserting US hegemony
by Aretha Belle Geganto

For the past 24 years, right after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, United States  (US) has remained to be the sole hegemonic power there is. This title gave United States the power and honor. According to Gramsci, a hegemony does not stay in power through force but it is based upon its dominance both in force and how widespread it is in terms of influences and support from other States. Moreover, according to Buzan a State can be  considered as a hegemony if it obtains the following: 1) substantial material (economic/military) advantages over other powers, and 2) widespread "social" (ideational) support within the system, which includes 2a) a strong domestic will to lead the system and 2b) strong external support for its policies and values. All of which is acquired by the US. However, through time other States are rising to power. One of the notable State is China, the rising superpower of Asia. China is both militarily and economically stable. However, are they as stable as the US? is Chinese influence as widespread as the American influence? Or as simple as the question, can China challenge the US?

            As to current status China is competing with US in terms of material advantages. As of latest statistics China has became the second largest economy next to US. Economically, US has a great deal of influence to a lot of international economic organisation. This give US more leverage. Lastly, the strong influence US has in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) upon which China does not have. Moreover in terms of military, China has a strong force behind them. China is said to be spending $166 billion to support their armed forces. But US has more. There is a record US spending of $682 billion just to support their military. The military capacity of US is incomparable, even with China. They have the ability to project their military force globally. Unlike China, who only possess one active aircraft carrier, the US possess ten of them. Moreover, US has for the longest time established their military bases in over major continents around the world.

            In non-material assents, the US together with its allies from the West are still on the lead. American influence of liberal democracy is dominant among other States around the world. Moreover, they were able to establish soft power in the means of movies, music, novels, amongst many things. And up to this age, most of the world’s prestigious universities and business schools are mostly located in the US. In comparison, the Chinese influence is not as widespread as the US. The economic liberalism and political authoritarianism mix nature of Chinese government has no doubt to inflexible for other States to adapt. Moreover, China might have negotiations with North Korea and Russia but unlike the US, they do not have great powerful alliances in the world stage.

            We might perceive US as declining in terms of social influence and at the same having China rising as an economic power but this wouldn’t be for long. According to researchers three dominant reasons as to why US is here to stay as a hegemony: First, appraisal of US foreign policy. Second, american influence abroad. Lastly, the strength of its domestic economy and political institutions. This may not hold true in the coming future but this would all boils down on how US will continue playing their game in the International System.