The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen has successfully turned-over Philippine artwork and other items to Nanyang (Southeast Asia) Institute, Xiamen University on 01 July 2019 in line with the celebration of National Heritage Month under the framework of its cultural diplomacy thrusts for 2019.
In a simple ceremony, Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores donated a package of Philippine artwork and other display items which included a 4’ x 4’ painting by Mr. Ireneo “Rene” SA. Robles, Jr., par excellence, an internationally renowned and award-winning Filipino visual artist, audio Compact Discs (CDs) of Philippine Folk/Pop Music, various designs of Capiz shell trays, and indigenous fabrics such as “T’nalak”, “Ikat” table runners of the Cordillera Region, “Abel” Ilocos Sur cloth. Other items include the “Lakub” bamboo tobacco container from Maranao of Lanao del Sur Province, native placemats as well as hand painted throw pillow covers which will form part of the Showroom’s permanent collection.
The Philippine artwork and other display items were well appreciated by Professor Shi Xueqin, Vice Dean, Nanyang (Southeast Asia) Institute, Xiamen University, school officials, faculty and students.
Professor Shi, in her remarks, expressed appreciation to the Consulate General’s gesture as valuable contribution to promote the Philippines. She further expressed that such gesture of goodwill will inspire the faculty and students more to enhance their knowledge of the Philippines’ rich and diverse culture and heritage as well as its products and peoples.
The Nanyang Institute commended Consulate General for undertaking this activity which is an excellent platform that promotes better understanding and friendship as well as enhance people-to-people contacts between the Philippines and China.
Consul General Flores responded that the Consulate General will continue its efforts to support the strengthening of the Institute’s Philippine studies program as well as its Filipiniana collection.
Nanyang (Southeast Asian) Institute is one of the Consulate General’s valuable partner in pursuing cultural and public diplomacy thrusts. The Consulate General has also donated several items to the Institute over the last several years.
Also in attendance were officials from the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen Municipal People’s Government (FAO), faculty members and students of the Institute.
For more information, visit www.dfa.gov.ph, www.facebok.com/dfaphl and @dfaphl on Twitter. END
