On April 27, 2016 (Wednesday), the United States Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Philip S. Goldberg, delivered a lecture on diplomacy and foreign service at the University of Santo Tomas, as part of the Diplomats’ Lecture Series. The event was held at the Dr. George S.K. Ty Function Hall of the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.
Longstanding connection
In his welcome remarks, Rev. Fr. Winston F. Cabading, O.P., Secretary-General of the University of Santo Tomas, noted the longstanding connection between UST and the American people, particularly the affinity that United States veterans and their descendants have for UST, having been interred and later on liberated here during the Second World War.
Fr. Cabading, in expressing the University’s warm welcome to Ambassador Goldberg, conveyed the hope that this historical connection will continue to be a source of inspiration for cultural and scientific exchanges between the two parties.
UST holds a special place in the pantheon of educational institutions
Early in his talk, Goldberg praised UST, saying that “this university is older than any university I know of in the US, and this has a very special place in the pantheon of [educational institutions].”
Delving further into the historical ties between the US and UST, Goldberg said that, “UST also has a very special place for us at the US Embassy and in the history of PH-US relations. People keep coming back to UST. In fact, in my office, I have a picture of the Americans being liberated here at Santo Tomas. Our modern relationship in the Philippines before, during, and after WW II, when our embassy was liberated with the US forces and with our Philippine allies who were here, those who marched with Americans during that time. So many of the relationships that were forged during that time remain today. They have a bearing on the very large embassy that we have, the many functions that we have, the diplomatic and assistance activities that we undertake.”
Getting into foreign service
Goldberg narrated his experiences and his journey in becoming a diplomat, orienting specifically the youth on the different ways by which someone enters foreign service.
The US Ambassador stressed that both formal schooling and an innate set of traits—interest, curiosity, and desire to know about the world, politics, economic, and science—are important traits of diplomats.
Serving in a foreign land
Goldberg likewise disclosed the different services that the US Embassy offers in the Philippines, highlighting the fact that the sheer 1,520-member workforce (composed of an estimated 1,200 Filipinos and 320 Americans) is a sign of the depth and diversity of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The US Ambassador stressed that his capacity places him at the forefront of representing the United States and its policies in the Philippines, and that he also engages in discussions on matters related to economic policies, cultural and educational pursuits, security issues, and general people-to-people exchanges, among others.
Rising from the ranks
Goldberg, a career foreign service diplomat, began his journey in the consular services section, and when he was assigned in Colombia, he engaged in political and economic affairs, and even dealt with the drug problems at that time.
Goldberg was likewise in Africa, which he recalls as a fortunate time because he was “lucky to have entered at a time when Nelson Mandela was coming in.” This allowed him the chance to help “prepare Africa for democracy” and two weeks prior to his departure, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President.
Representing the US
Goldberg disclosed that “One of the key aspects to understanding your role overseas is to understand your own country, to understand the democratic process, to represent the country overseas. You need to know how our politics work, what senators and congress want. We don’t do this in a vacuum. It’s understanding very much what people in the US want.”
US and the PH
Goldberg was happy to note that the historical irritants and challenges in bilateral relations between the United States and the Philippines have been generally overcome, stressing that as the United States of America’s “oldest treaty ally in Asia,” there is a “unique relationship” between the two countries, which now enjoy a “modern alliance.”
Goldberg highlighted as an example the decision of President Barack Obama and then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to re-balance toward Asia, recognizing that Asia will soon become an economic frontier that the US wants to take part in.
Goldberg said that “one of the key factors is to revitalize alliances, [and in the case of the Philippines], help the PH as it modernizes [its military and security capabilities]. The US Ambassador recognized the Aquino administration, saying “we found a very good partner in the Aquino admin. [because they were] pulling toward the same programs.”
Goldberg disclosed that this year, USD 300M has been earmarked for assistance to the Philippines, particularly for judicial reform and fighting corruption.
Tacloban – post-Yolanda relief
The US Ambassador, who was posted in the Philippines around the time of the Yolanda typhoon in November 2013, recalled he celebrated “thanksgiving in Tacloban,” and after which he transferred to a “relief vessel of the US” to check on the kind of aid to be provided.
Goldberg praised the “resiliency of the Filipino people” and their “willingness to work together”
West Philippine Sea
Goldberg echoed the United States’s position on the present territorial dispute in Southeast Asia, saying that “we have a common view that freedom of navigation in an area that’s worth 5 trillion dollars of goods pass through, 40% of the world trade [is needed].”
Treaty Alliance
Goldberg noted that the treaty alliance was also more than reciprocated by the Philippines, as shown in historical battles fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the war on terror.
Now, the alliance has evolved to tackle other important issues: “In a globalized world, when we work on issues as important as climate change, we have to work together. We have to have good allies in doing so.”
The Ambassador also noted that there are now 3.5 million Filipino-Americans in the United States. In this era of modern alliance, Goldberg said “this is no longer as was once said that a question of big brother. It’s now sister, cousin, mother-in-law. It’s now a more equal relationship, as it should be.”
Panel of Reactors
A panel of reactors shared their insights regarding the Ambassador’s talk. They were composed on Atty. Enrique V. dela Cruz, Jr., faculty member of the Faculty of Civil Law; Prof. Marilu R. Madrunio, PhD, Dean of the Graduate School; and Mr. Jan Dominic Castro, AB Legal Management senior and President of the Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council.
Modern communications
In response to Dean Madrunio’s question on how he personally manages communicatios in his present post, Goldberg said that before, there was “no internet and texting.” He recalled how they went “to a cable room, where there would be telegrams from Washington.”
Goldberg disclosed, too, that he “didn’t do any texting until I got to the Philippines.” He noted, though, that “we have to balance speed and efficiency and security” in the era of modern-day communication.
The Philippine Image
Goldberg also said that “the Philippine image in the world has improved considerably in recent years. The Philippines is no longer relegated to the title “sick man of Asia” economically. The tribunal case, and the willingness of the Philippines to take a legal process, is very admirable in Washington and other places. There are some people who are very nervous. In a sense, it’s not against any country; it’s to stand up for principles. In the Congress, there are two aspects to the improved image: what’s going on here: economic growth, efforts to take on corruption issues, but the fact that the modernization of government is a priority. Those kinds of things are very much appreciated.”
The youth
Nearing the end of his sharing, Goldberg focused on the youth and culture. “Optimism that people have here is impressive,” he said.
Closing Remarks of Fr. Ang
At the conclusion of the event, the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, Acting Rector, said that “the Philippines and the US have always had friendly [relations]: something organic, something which happens spontaneously and naturally. A common language is fundamental; it facilitates significant collaboration. The US is undeniably one of the PH’s closest allies in the world.”
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