Tibet’s Diplomatic Milestone: Dalai Lama’s Envoy Meets Philippine Leaders
By Yangchen Lhamu
DHARAMSALA, 29 Oct: Dr Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia, has successfully completed his maiden official tour to the Philippines on October 27, reinforcing the longstanding bond between the two nations and paving the way for future collaborations.
During his weeklong visit to the island, Dr Arya emphasised Tibetan autonomy and human rights through a series of interactions and lecture events on the Tibet issue in the regions surrounding Manila City, reports Tibet.net, the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The report noted that Filipinos have always shown unwavering support for the Tibetan cause, as Filipinos and Tibetans both share common values of peace and non-violence in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
Dr. Arya reportedly met with Congressman Adrian Amatong, briefed him on and presented a copy of the US’ bipartisan Resolve Tibet Act, while requesting a similar bill to be introduced to the Philippine parliament.
Additionally, Dr. Arya engaged in a productive discussion with Wallace Chow, a representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, where they explored the interconnectedness of freedom and democracy in resolving issues related to Tibet, Taiwan, and China.
Representative Arya conducted two online lectures at the University of the Philippines Asian Center Forum and Del La Salle Saint Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, where he spoke on the themes “The Tibetan Struggle: Search for Freedom and Justice” and “The Philippines and Tibetan Relations: Helming Vibrant Partnership Amidst Diversity.”
Prof. Maricel Fernadez-Carag said in her closing remarks that though “Tibet and the Philippines are some 3,662 km apart, we are united by the shared value of freedom and non-violence.”
She added, “We need this international partnership to promote global citizenship education.” Dr. Arya and the professor have agreed to start Tibetan studies at the University.
This milestone visit strengthened historical ties between the two nations, which share a legacy of solidarity since the Philippines supported Tibet at the United Nations in the 1960s. The Dalai Lama’s 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award further cemented this bond.
