In celebration of the National Independence Day for Mexico, His Excellency Gerardo Lozano Arredondo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Mexican States to the Republic of the Philippines, visited Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) to talk about the Mexican culture and bilateral relationship of the Philippines and Mexico in a forum last September 6.

Among the projects which the ambassador said they are trying to share with the Philippines is the “magic towns” which comprises of smaller areas outside the well-known Mexican metropolises.

“This is a project that we are trying to share with the Philippines because in the Philippines there are small towns that are not so well-known,” he said.

Arredondo further explained that this program would help preserve heritage as these lesser-known places will receive financial support from the government.

He added that the Philippines plays a significant role as a gateway to Asia and a window for Mexican merchandisers.

“Thanks to the very famous Acapulco-Manila galleon trade, we started very early a very important relation that allowed the countries to exchange merchandise, also people, cultures, traditions,” he shared.

Amidst challenges of immigration, poverty, drugs, and economic inequality, Arredondo stated that both the Philippines and Mexico share a common goal for improving life conditions for their citizens.

“Our most important objective is to generate better life conditions for our people…better links between our countries, identifying opportunities for collaboration,” he said.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora posed a question on how Mexico was dealing with China in connection to economic inequalities and possible solutions.

“Are you open to a stronger relationship with China? Or do you feel threatened by China? Both in terms of manufacturing and the economy, but also as a security measure?” he asked.

The ambassador answered that Mexico has been open to the Chinese economy and culture however, very few of their people speak Chinese.

“Though we are convinced of the importance of the Chinese market, we approach very slowly,” Arredondo explained.

The forum on Philippine-Mexico relations was held at the Miguel Pro Learning Commons. Also present in the event were AdDU faculty, students from the International Studies and Political Science department.