Philippine Ambassador, Minister of Culture Discuss Possible Cultural Collaboration

15 November 2023 - In pursuit of promoting cultural cooperation and understanding between the Philippines and Jordan, the Philippine Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency Wilfredo C. Santos, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Culture, Her Excellency Haifa Najjar recently at the Ministry of Culture in Amman.

During the meeting, Ambassador Santos highlighted the role of the Philippine Embassy in advancing the country's interests while promoting Filipino talent, creativity, and friendship. He further expressed interest in collaborating with the Ministry of Culture to advance cultural cooperation and understanding between the two countries. Minister Najjar, in turn, acknowledged the contribution of the Filipino community in Jordan to the diverse cultural environment in the Kingdom through their service and participation in the local community. Both sides agreed to explore potential ways forward, including a pending proposal for a sister-city agreement.

The meeting ended with a book donation by Ambassador Santos, which included a collection of Filipiniana books showcasing the various cultural traditions of the Philippines. It also included Everyday Culture books volumes 1 to 4, and the Muslim Mindanao Cuisine and Culture.

Everyday Culture is a series of books published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) featuring different Schools for Living Traditions (SLT) of various cultural communities in the Philippines.

The Muslim Mindanao Cuisine and Culture, on the other hand, was published by the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, which showcases the proud heritage of Muslim Mindanao, particularly the cuisine, culture, and traditions of some of the main Muslim tribes of the region: the Maguindanao, the Maranao, and the Tausug. Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, after Luzon, and is located in the southern part of the country.  

Joining Ambassador Santos during the call were Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angeli A. Payumo and Cultural Attaché Elijah Ang-Encarnacion. END