On September 22, Consul Cunanan was the guest lecturer of the European Studies Department of the Ateneo de Manila University, the most prestigious private educational institution in the Philippines. The talk, entitled “An Introduction to Georgia and Philippines – Georgia Relations”, was attended by graduating International Relations, Economics, and Management students.
In his presentation, Consul Cunanan introduced Georgia to the audience, starting with general facts about the country, including geographic location, population statistics, economic figures, and socio-cultural demographics. He then proceeded with a brief history of the country from its unification as a kingdom in the 11th century, to the years of Russian-Soviet occupation, to its independence in the early 1990’s, to the latest political developments. This was followed by Georgian tourism videos and images and an explanation of the country’s exponential growth in visitor arrivals since 2010.
The talk about international relations began with a discussion on Georgia – European relations, the recently-signed Association Agreement with the European Union, and the potential socio-economic benefits of EU membership for the country and its people. Consul Cunanan also discussed Georgian – ASEAN relations and, more specifically, the numerous activities of the Consulate to improve Georgian – Philippine ties and friendship, which include a wide-range of cultural initiatives and people-to-people contacts. At the end of the lecture, the students asked Consul Cunanan about politics, culture, education, and economics.
Consul Cunanan is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila Grade School High School, College, and Business School (MBA). He has several projects with the university, including the establishment of the first Georgian literature collection in the Philippines and Asia at the campus’ Rizal Library and ongoing talks for a Junior Term Abroad Program in Georgia for Ateneo students.
