17 November 2014 - The University of Guam hosted the launching of the latest book of Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja entitled “The State Department Boys: Philippine Diplomacy and Its American Heritage” on November 12 at the multi-purpose hall of the Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero School of Business and Public Administration Building, University of Guam. This was the third launch event for Consul General de Borja’s third book, following similar events at The Podium of SM SuperMalls in Metro Manila on October 20 and at the Department of Foreign Affairs on October 23, which was hosted by the Foreign Service Institute.
“The University of Guam is pleased to host Consul General De Borja and hear about his research into the Philippine’s transition from colony to independent state…the book highlights political changes, island needs and the real lives of people who lived through the pivotal changes in the Philippines during the last century,” said Dr. Robert Underwood, President of the University of Guam, who also delivered the welcome remarks at the event.
Also delivering their own remarks on the subject of the book during the launching were Dr. Donald Platt, Professor of History, and Dr. Lilnabeth Somera, Associate Professor of Communication, at the University of Guam. They shared their insights and own discoveries related to the subject of the book.
The members of the 32nd Guam Legislature, headed by Vice Speaker Benjamin J.F. Cruz, Senators Dennis G. Rodriguez, V. Anthony Ada, and Frank B. Aguon, Jr., also presented Consul General de Borja with a legislative certificate recognizing his accomplishment in writing a book that highlights the strong relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
“The State Department Boys: Philippine Diplomacy and Its American Heritage” focuses on the experience of the pioneering group of Filipino diplomats who were chosen to become the first officer corps of the Philippine Foreign Service. The State Department Boys, as they were fondly referred to because of the training program they completed at the United States State Department, eventually played pivotal roles in Philippine diplomacy and helped the new Philippine Republic find its place in the international community.
Guests at the book launch included Guam Chief Justice Robert J. Torres and Senator-elect Mary Torres, members of the 32nd Guam Legislature, members of the Consular Corps, as well as other guests from the business community, UOG faculty and students, and officers and members of the different Filipino organizations in Guam. A delegation of 19 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from the Philippines, who were in Guam for an ROTC exchange program hosted by the Guam National Guard under the State Partnership Program, also attended the event. END