30 August 2013 - Upon the invitation of the International Pacific College (IPC) in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez presented an overview of the “Philippines-New Zealand Relations: Opportunities and Pathways” on August 21 as part of a series of interdisciplinary seminars on foreign policy and international relations co-hosted by IPC, the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) and Centre for Defense and Security Studies at Massey University.
Ambassador Benavidez expressed appreciation to Mr. Hiroshi Ohashi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, IPC Tertiary Institute, Palmerston North, New Zealand and International Pacific University, Okayama, Japan, Mrs. Setsuko Ohashi, Chief Operating Officer, Soshi Educational Group, Professor Wayne Edwards, President of IPC, Mr. Ichizo Murakami, Director of Corporate Services, Dr. James To, Co-Chair for the Palmerston North Branch of the NZIIA and BIS Programme Development Coordinator, IPC, Dean Sue Jenkins, Faculty of International Studies (Diploma Programme), IPC, Acting Dean Dr. Gillian Claridge, Faculty of International Studies (Degree Programme), IPC Dr. Jody Arsenio, Lecturer, Faculty of International Studies, IPC, members of the faculty, staff and students for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to her, First Secretary Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa and Third Secretary Glenn Joseph Obach.
Ambassador Benavidez started her presentation with the overarching framework of the Philippines’ engagement with the community of nations anchored on a principled Philippine foreign policy based on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, good governance, peaceful settlement of disputes and the rule of law. She then expounded on the three pillars of foreign policy: preservation and enhancement of national security; promotion and attainment of economic security through enhancing trade, investments, public-private sector partnerships and tourism with international partners; and protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare and interest of Filipinos overseas.
The Ambassador also traced the history of Philippines-New Zealand bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 6 July 1966 and provided a comprehensive scan of the key aspects of the relations at the political, defence and security, economic and people-to-people interaction at the bilateral level as well as the increasing collaboration at the regional and international arenas.
“The Philippines counts upon New Zealand’s respectable voice, valuable partnership and constructive engagement in the regional and global community for understanding and support for the Philippine position and efforts to seek a peaceful and durable resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.
The State Visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in New Zealand in October of last year laid the foundations for stronger Philippines-New Zealand collaboration with the signing in Wellington of bilateral arrangements on defence and security, geothermal energy, the Working Holiday Scheme and announcement on the dairy cooperation project as well as the extensive networking among Filipino and New Zealand private sector during the business forum and the signing of private sector led agreements on energy and agribusiness and between the Philippines and New Zealand Business Councils in Auckland.
Also highlighted were opportunities for greater collaboration in the area of defence and security, active exchange of ministerial-led visits, senior officials, parliamentarians, businessmen and other stakeholders, the growing trade and investment relationship bilaterally and in the context of the ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in the priority areas of cooperation in the dairy industry, geothermal energy, ICT, manufacturing and services, development assistance, active participation and engagement in regional and multilateral fora.
Ambassador Benavidez pointed out that “the Philippines appreciates New Zealand’s strong commitment to ASEAN and contributions to ASEAN’s thrusts to achieve regional economic integration by 2015 and strengthening the political-security, economic and the socio-cultural pillars of the ASEAN Community.” She also touched on the launching of the New Zealand Inc. ASEAN Strategy in Auckland on 12 July 2013 by Prime Minister John Key which highlights New Zealand’s rebalancing towards Southeast Asia and is envisioned to boost investment, trade and economic returns from the region and a Commemorative Summit marking the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand relations in 2015 as an excellent opportunity to raise public awareness and appreciation of the active ASEAN-New Zealand relationship.
The broad spectrum of Philippines-New Zealand relations are underpinned by enduring people-to-people ties and Ambassador Benavidez stated that “more than 36,000 Filipinos in New Zealand in every profession, employment level and entrepreneurial sector are considered the 3rd largest group of skilled migrants who have built their lives in New Zealand. They continue to animate churches, share the values of family similar to those held dear by New Zealanders, enliven multicultural festivities and enrich rural communities throughout the North and South Islands. Complementing these thriving people-to-people ties is the expanding tourism and education links coupled with the potential of fostering greater understanding and goodwill between young Filipinos and New Zealanders under the Working Holiday Scheme.”
Ambassador Benavidez concluded her presentation with the key pathways to take forward the dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship and to scale further the heights of cooperation in the priority areas among government officials, businessmen, students, youth and the general public.
The subsequent Q&A session and interaction with the students and faculty generated interest in areas to further enhance cooperation and the “soft power” that global Filipinos in New Zealand and other countries wield to promote Philippine interests and project a favourable image of the Philippines and the Filipino people.
There are 30 Filipinos currently enrolled in IPC. Ambassador Benavidez and the officials of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington met with some of the Filipino students taking up post-graduate and graduate degree programme on International Studies at IPC.
After the welcome luncheon with the IPC Chairman, Deans and Officials, a tour of the sprawling and scenic 12-hectare IPC campus and facilities were given by Dr. James To.
IPC is one of New Zealand’s first private tertiary institute set up in 1990 offering diploma and post graduate courses on international business, international relations, environmental studies, ecotourism, language studies, Japanese studies, sport studies, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages) and a specialized rugby programme with students and faculty members from over 30 countries. An invitation was extended to Ambassador Benavidez and the Philippine Embassy officials to visit IPC again during the Spring Festival when the cherry blossoms trees will be in full bloom and multicultural festivities are celebrated. END
