2011 Metrobank
Art and Design Excellence (MADE)
Remarks of
Honorable Secretary Albert F. del Rosario
Signing Ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Metrobank
Carlos P. Romulo Library
25 October 2011 •
5:30 PM
Excellencies,
Colleagues form the Diplomatic Corps,
Dr. George Ty,
Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña,
Our friends from the art scene and the media,
DFA colleagues:
A pleasant afternoon to all of you.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to today’s ceremony to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Metrobank Foundation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs recognizes the impact of culture on the conduct of modern diplomacy and sees it as an effective tool in protecting our national interest, in advancing our advocacies and in achieving the development agenda of the country in the international arena.
The time has come to strengthen and enhance the cultural diplomacy initiatives of the Department.
I recently signed Department Order No. 15-11 which formalizes the creation of the Cultural Diplomacy Unit of the Department. This ensures that cultural promotions form part of the conduct and initiatives of the DFA personnel here and abroad. And it starts today.
The DFA, with the help of cultural entities and culture advocates like the Metrobank Foundation Inc., must find ways to project to the world, not only the country’s beautiful culture but also the vast talents of Filipino artists.
Our nation has the most interesting, diverse and unique “culture” in all its elements and expressions that the task of promoting it to the world, I am certain, will be an uplifting and enjoyable one! The artistic talents of the Filipino people are so immense and astounding that if it were a product that needs to be sold – it will sell like “chickenjoy.” I think that’s a cliché we can all be happy about.
I believe the world will not only appreciate, but will in fact benefit from, the artistic talents of our people, just as we have benefited from the influences of the wonderful cultures of Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
Let us appreciate the efforts of individuals, groups and institutions who advocate the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Filipino culture and arts.
In particular, let me applaud the initiatives and projects of the Metrobank in promoting Philippine culture and arts. For the last 26 years, Filipinos who aspire to become visual artists have found a generous patron in Metrobank’s Foundation. Through the Metrobank Art Design Excellence (MADE), opportunities have been created for budding artists, designers and even scholars in their aspirations of pursuing their art. The contest has opened doors for these artists. And today, we will see their award-winning works – their masterpieces.
Truly Metrobank has MADE some artists and has contributed to the enrichment of the socio-cultural landscape of Philippine society.
We celebrate this cultural cooperation with Metrobank Foundation. This partnership, we hope, will not only allow our personnel to take note of the developments in the world of arts – as new and upcoming Filipino artists are constantly being discovered by Metrobank – but will give rise to future events and initiatives that will inspire us to showcase to the world, the glorious, unique and beautiful Filipino culture.
Thank you.
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