17 October 2016 – Coinciding with the celebration of Filipino-American Heritage Month, the University of Guam (UOG) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, held the 8th Philippine Studies Lecture featuring Dr. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The lecture by Dr. de Leon entitled "Strengthening Philippine-Guamanian Relations Through Cultural Understanding" was held at the CLASS Lecture Hall of the University of Guam on October 12.
Dr. de Leon, who has had broad scholarship in the humanities, fine arts, music and other fields of cultural studies, is widely recognized in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia for his vast and extensive experience as cultural administrator and manager.
His lecture focused on the cultural commonalities between Filipinos and Chamorros to provide a foundation of cultural awareness and understanding that will build closer cooperation and more intentional people-to-people exchanges that can mutually benefit both the Philippines and Guam.
Dr. de Leon also spoke of the origins of the Chamorro people and how recent scientific findings make it highly probable that the ancestors of the Chamorro people that came to Guam were the very first to dare an open ocean voyage in outrigger canoes.
To cap his lecture, he pointed to the establishment of a Sentro Rizal Agana at the Philippine Consulate General Guam as the gateway for the sustained promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, and as a locus for sharing knowledge about Filipino language, culture and the arts to further enhance Philippine-Guamanian relations.
Dean James D. Sellman delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of UOG while Consul General Marciano R. de Borja introduced the guest speaker.
Chairman de Leon’s lecture was attended by Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz, Senator Tina Muña Barnes, UOG President Dr. Robert Underwood, Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Science Dr. James D. Sellman, Guam Community College Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ray Somera, Chairperson of the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency Ms. Monica Guzman, officers and members of the University of the Philippines Alumni of Guam (UPAG) and the Filipino Community of Guam., and faculty members and students of the University of Guam.
At the end of the program, Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz and Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes presented a Certificate of Commendation to Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. on behalf of the 33rd Guam Legislature. UPAG officers and members, headed by its President Ms. Tessie Marcos, also awarded scholarship grants to six students from the University of Guam and Guam Community College. END
