50 Years and Beyond 1 PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS Philippine-Iran Relations 50 Years and Beyond 50 Years and Beyond ©2017 Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr., Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman and the Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran The views and opinions of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of the Asian Center, University of the Philippines and the Cultural Counselorship Office of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Manila. Views and opinions expressed therein are the sole responsibility of the authors. Printed in the Republic of the Philippines. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotation in academic articles and reviews. A copy of the publication containing the quotation should be sent to this email address: [email protected], Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101. First Printing February 2017 ISBN 978-971-8992-21-0 PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................. v FOREWORD Hon. Mohammad Jafarimalek…………………………………….…...... vi Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the I. R. of Iran-Manila PREFACE H. E. Mohammad Tanhaei ………………………………..…….… vii Ambassador, Islamic Republic of Iran INTRODUCTION Joefe B. Santarita .......................................................................... x Asian Center Dean EDITOR'S NOTE Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. .............................................................. xi 50 YEARS AND COUNTING Speech of Iran's Former Ambassador to the Philippines H. E. Aliasghar Mohammadi .................................................... 1 WHICH WAY TO GO? Analyzing the Political, Economic, Cultural Directions of Philippine-Iran Relations Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. ................................................................... 7 50 YEARS AND BEYOND: The Genesis, Development, Challenges and Future of Philippine-Iran Relations Mariano A. Dumia ...................................................................... 25 A THEORETICAL STUDY: Iran's Islamic Revolution and the Filipino People Power Potre Diampuan ........................................................................... 50 MOVEMENTS FOR CHANGE: The Islamic Revolution in Iran and People Power in the Philippines Zainab M. Javier ...................................................................... 63 50 Years and Beyond PERCEPTIONS ON IRAN AND IRANIANS IN THE PHILIPPINE MEDIA Emmeviene Suelto ...................................................................... 80 PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS: Forging a Stronger Partnership in the Asian Century Javad F. Heydarian ...................................................................... 95 DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTER-ASIA CULTURAL STUDIES' SUMMER SCHOOL IN THE PHILIPPINES Joefe B. Santarita ......................................................................... 105 POSITION OF IRAN AND THE PHILIPPINES AT THE UNITED NATIONS, 1946-1980s Rolando Talampas ...................................................................... 115 500-1000 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE-IRAN CULTURAL EXCHANGES: A Linguistic Approach Mahmood Sadeghi Tajar .......................................................... 134 ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS ............................................................. 147 PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS Acknowledgement This book is a product of persevering collaborative efforts between scholars, observers and practitioners of the Philippine-Iran bilateral relations. The organizers would like to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations who, in one way or another, contributed to the successful launching of the conference and the eventual publication of the conference proceedings: H. E. Ambassador Mohammad Tanhaei Former Ambassador Aliasghar Mohammadi Hon. Dr. Kiyomars Amiri (May his soul rest in peace) Hon. Mohammad Jafarimalek Hon. Mohammad Reza Kaka Dr. Alfredo Pascual Dr. Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. Ms. Zainab Javier Dr. Hossein Faiyaz Ms. Frances Cruz Ms. Emmeviene Suelto Mr. Hossein Karimi Iranian Embassy – Manila Iranian Cultural Counsellorship – Manila Janus Isaac Nolasco Asian Center, University of the Philippines – Diliman Philippine-Iran Cultural and Scientific Society, Inc. Foreign Service Institute, Dept. of Foreign Affairs – Manila 50 Years and Beyond v FOREWORD The impression of two great nations, Iran and the Philippines, toward each other is clear, amicable and friendly. Centuries ago, Persian navigators paved their way through thousands of kilometers toward East Asia and reached this land, establishing linkages between the peoples and cultures of both countries. This continued up to the contemporary era, with the last 50 years binding it officially with bilateral relations. Their shared experiences in withstanding colonization in their quest for independence and freedom have generated common cultural traits that are adhered to and appreciated by the peoples of both nations. In 2015, accounts over the 50 years of diplomatic relations were presented to the scientific and official establishments in celebration of this amicable bond. The International Conference on Philippine-Iran Relations: 50 Years and Beyond was the outcome of a joint effort by the Iranian Embassy and the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran - Manila, in cooperation with the University of the Philippines-Diliman and scholars who shared their scientific and practical experiences with the ultimate objective of enhancing the relations between the two nations. Scholars, elites, experts and thinkers who presented their methodical essays and lectures added to the scientific enrichment of the gathering. The academic session that was held is a good example for scholarly gatherings in the future and a valuable stimulus for activists who are engaged in political, cultural and economic endeavors. vi PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS Foreword The event, definitely, owed its occurrence to its organizer, the late Cultural Counselor Dr. Kiyomars Amiri (peace be on his departed soul). The few months of Dr. Amiri's tour of duty in the Philippines saw his various efforts and endowment in different fields. Sad to say, the inevitable came and we are left with our mind full of his recollections. We plead to God Almighty to bless the soul of that Man of Culture. This compilation is the summation of the conference's articles and scientific works. It is presented with the hope that those who are interested in enhancing the mutual relations between the two nations may find some benefit in it. Finally, I would like to render my best thanks and appreciation to those who gave their ultimate efforts to bring the event into a success, particularly His Excellency Ali Asghar Mohammadi, former Ambassador of I.R. of Iran to the Philippines, Dr. Henelito Sevilla, Jr., Assistant Dean of the Asian Center in U.P. Diliman and Coordinator of its West Asia Studies Program, and other respectful colleagues of mine. Mohammad Jafarimalek Cultural Counselor Cultural Section, I. R. of Iran Embassy - Manila 50 Years and Beyond vii PREFACE This book, “Philippine - Iran Relations: Fifty Years and Beyond”, is perhaps one of the best books that have been written on bilateral relations between Iran and the Philippines since it has covered the views and opinions of a group of informed and experienced scholars and experts. In the last half century, there were a number of similarities in the historic course of developments between Iran and the Philippines. However, I believe the closest one is the human factor. The biggest and perhaps the most important asset of both countries is their people who played scientific and economic roles beyond their geographical national boundaries and is worthy of respect and reverence by the international community. The developments in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East region, and the formation of new political and economic trends in the geographical sphere of East Asia, have created conditions that make it incumbent upon Iran and the Philippines to review and take into consideration their traditional relations. Should the bilateral ties be reconsidered, the Iranian people have to look into their relations with the Philippines in a futuristic and deeper way while the Filipino people further require a more independent and coherent approach in their connections with Iran. viii PHILIPPINE-IRAN RELATIONS Preface It seems there are so many things that the two nations can learn from each other and a lot of new opportunities that both countries can provide for their economic growth and prosperity. But despite all these, the two nations’ knowledge and understanding of each other is limited and that is the biggest obstacle to developing closer cooperation and deeper communications. I think the most urgent task facing the intellectuals, elite and educated people of the two countries is sustaining the contemporary relations with the objective of further strengthening and deepening this. Filipinos and Iranians are in need of a consistent and continuous effort to find out about each others real capacity and capabilities, and pave the way for a more beneficial future for both nations through mutual decision and determination. H. E. Mohammad Tanhaei Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Islamic Republic of Iran 50 Years and Beyond ix INTRODUCTION by Asian Center Dean Iran is an interesting country with