On February 28, 2014, Consul Cunanan was the keynote speaker at a symposium for tourism students and faculty members of the University of Santo Tomas. The event was held from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Officers Clubhouse at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

UST is a private, Roman Catholic, academic institution. Founded on April 28, 1611, it is the oldest university in the Philippines and is one of the world’s largest Catholic universities in terms of enrolment. UST is composed of several autonomous faculties, colleges, schools and institutes, each conferring undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees, and the basic education units.

The symposium was entitled “Creating Links for Boundless Opportunities”. In his talk, Consul Cunanan introduced Georgia and the country’s sustainable tourism programs to the audience. He also stressed the need for Filipinos to develop leadership skills and qualities and establish international linkages and networks with other countries. As an example of leadership and creating successful synergies, Consul Cunanan focused on his successful tourism and educational projects in Georgia. He also discussed his recently-concluded “A Rainbow of Hope” project, which he organized with strategic partners in several countries to raise funds for the victims and survivors of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

At the end of his talk, he invited the audience to learn more about Georgia and to visit the country and explore and experience all its wonders.