On March 14, 2014, Consul Cunanan was the keynote speaker at a symposium at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Succor College (OLOPS) in Marikina City, Metro Manila. The forum began at 1:30 in the afternoon and was well-attended by graduating BS Tourism and BS Hotel and Restaurant Management students, faculty, and officials of the school.

In his talk entitled “Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development”, Consul Cunanan talked about tourism trends in Georgia, in particular, the thrust of the government to promote sustainable eco-tourism of the country’s many national parks, an activity being spearheaded by the Agency for Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Consul Cunanan also discussed Georgia’s many tourism attractions, including the country’s numerous World Heritage Sites with emphasis on its centuries-old churches and monasteries, its wine-making tradition, and the land’s magnificent natural wonders such as the Caucasus mountain range and Black Sea coast. He also said that Filipinos and Georgians share many cultural similarities and stressed the need for both peoples to protect their respective natural and cultural resources and to preserve these for the enjoyment of future generations.

Consul Cunanan was later presented with a plaque of appreciation for sharing his insights. He later held dialogues with the school’s top officials to discuss initiatives to further promote Georgian tourism and culture with OLOPS’ student body.