GOVPH

Shanghai Officials, Consular Corps, Filipinos Sign Book of Condolence, Laud FVR’s Legacy

Shanghai – Shanghai officials and members of the consular corps visited the Consulate General on 8-9 August to sign the condolence book opened in memory of former President Fidel V. Ramos, who passed away on 31 July at age 94.

The Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office (FAO), represented by Director of Consular Division Ms. YAN Yanqui, signed the condolence book on 9 August. She was accompanied by Deputy Director Mr. CHEN Yongliang and Philippine Desk Officer Ms. TIAN Lan.

After paying respects, PCG and FAO officials engaged in brief discussions. CG Ignacio thanked FAO for their commiseration. Both sides recognized  President Ramos’ efforts to build ties with China, a commitment that extended beyond his presidency. President Ramos was one of the moving forces behind the establishment of the Boao Forum for Asia, now one of the most prestigious annual regional high-level dialogue events.

PCG officials also received numerous counterparts from the consular corps, as well as some Filipinos, during the said two days.

To allow other consular missions and Filipinos to offer tributes and sympathy, the PCG also co-developed and opened a WeChat-based virtual Condolence Book.

A 10-day period of national mourning lasting until 9 August was observed in honor of the late President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 33 S.2022

President Ramos left behind a strong legacy that saw the Philippines rise in stature as an Asian Tiger Cub. During his tenure (1992-1998), he pursued a vigorous economic diplomacy program that saw him travel to numerous countries. He is also remembered and revered for role in the restoration of democracy in 1986 and the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship. END

Filipino, Shanghainese Kids Represent at Move with Pinas Workshop Featuring Abra’s SAKUTING Dance

30 July 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai (PCG) led Shanghai-based budding folk dancers in taking part in the latest edition of the “Move with Pinas,” online dance workshop featuring Abra Province’s famous Sakuting dance.

The Sakuting is a folk-dance notable for incorporating the traditional martial art of Arnis (Filipino stick fighting), with each dancer performing its intricate moves while bearing wooden sticks in both hands.

 Filipino and Chinese kids enthusiastically learned and followed the steps and moves of the Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, which provided the demonstration and lessons during the two-hour workshop. Lending strong support in the selection of dancers was Ms. Chabeli Jill A. Hilasque, President of Pinoy Teachers Association in Shanghai (PITAS). Representing Shanghai were the following:

• Sophia Noreen Diche, 17 
• Suisse Meredith Diche, 10
• Blythe Angelene Virtudazo, 9
• Kara Alyssa Tanduyan, 8
• Erich Gerhard P. Ocampo, 6
• Lou Youkon, 9
• Lou Youbang, 9
• Ma Chengzhou, 7

The Move with Pinas series is partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). For the Sakuting edition. END

#MoveWithPinas #CulturalDiplomacy #DFAForgingAhead #KulturaPH #InstaKultura

STATEMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY ENRIQUE A. MANALO ON THE 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AWARD ON THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ARBITRATION

Statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo on the 6th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration

12 July 2022

Today we commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration. More than a historic milestone whose value lies in its commemorative significance, we recall 12 July 2016 as the day that affirmed to the community of nations that the rule of law prevails, and that stability, peace and progress can only be attained when founded on a rules-based legal order on the oceans, as it should be everywhere else. 

The Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are the twin anchors of the Philippines’ policy and actions on the West Philippine Sea. 

The year 2022 is also the 40th anniversary of the adoption of UNCLOS. UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. There is no recourse to general international law on matters comprehensively covered by the UNCLOS. Compliance with UNCLOS, which represents a delicate balance of the rights and obligations of all States Parties, in its entirety is key to ensuring global and regional peace and the fair and sustainable use of the oceans. 

The Award, an affirmation of UNCLOS’ dispute resolution mechanisms, not only sets reason and right in the South China Sea, but is an inspiration for how matters should be considered – through reason and right – by states facing similarly challenging circumstances. 

It authoritatively ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’ had no basis in law and is without legal effect. 

It upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone. 

It affirmed that certain actions within the Philippines’ EEZ violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights and were thus unlawful; that large-scale reclamation and construction of artificial islands caused severe environmental harm in violation of international conventions; that the large-scale harvesting of endangered marine species damaged the marine ecosystem; and that actions taken since the commencement of the arbitration had aggravated the disputes. 

These findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal, and are conclusive as they are indisputable. The Award is final. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories. At the same time, we welcome the support of a growing list of countries for the Award. 

The Award benefits the world across the board. We do not see it as directed at any other country, near or far. We see it as it should be seen: as favoring all which are similarly situated by clarifying definitively a legal situation beyond the reach of arms to change. It puts this aspect of international law beyond the limit of prescription. 

And so we say once again: the present that we need and the future that we want is a peaceful South China Sea. The Philippines is committed to this for as long as it exists. END

Source: https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate/30865-statement-of-foreign-affairs-secretary-enrique-a-manalo-on-the-6th-anniversary-of-the-award-on-the-south-china-sea-arbitration