ACADEMIC/SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS) conducted several academic and scholarly activities in 2020 in order to continue its purpose of advancing knowledge of Chinese Studies in the Philippines, particularly on the study of Chinese in the Philippines and the study of Philippines-China relations. Most its activities are posted in PACS website, www.pacs.ph. Among the highlights of its major academic and scholarly activities in 2020, are the following:

A. Philippines-China Dialogue on the South China Sea

PACS kicked off the year 2020 with a bilateral think tank dialogue. On 6 January 2020, PACS and the South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI), a Beijing-based international research network on the South China Sea, held the Philippines-China Dialogue on the South China Sea at Jinjiang Inn, Makati City from 8:30 AM to 12:30 NN. During the Dialogue, PACS and SCSPI discussed the current situation and status of Philippines-China cooperation in the South China Sea. Six experts from China headed by Dr. Hu Bo from Peking University interacted with Filipino counterparts led by the late Dr. Aileen Baviera and Atty. Jay Batongbacal. Chinese participants included Dr. Yan Yan of the National Institute for the South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), Dr. Lei Xiaolu of Wuhan University, Dr. Cao Qun of China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), Dr. Ma Bo of Nanjing University, and Mr. Li Shuhao of SCSPI. Filipino speakers also included Dr. Aaron Jed Rabena, Mr. Charles De Guzman, Mr. Lucio Pitlo III and Dr. Rommel Banlaoi.

B. Philippines-China Public Forum on the South China Sea

In the afternoon of 6 January 2020, PACS and SCSPI also co-organized the Philippines-China Public Forum on the South China Sea at Jinjiang Inn, Makati City. Scholars and experts from PACS, University of the Philippines Law Center, Ateneo De Manila Chinese Studies Program, Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress, Philippine Council for Foreign Relations, Asia Institute of Management, Far Eastern University, Lyceum University and various government offices such as Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defence, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Navy attended the forum. Foreign and local media such as the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Phoenix, Guangming Daily, China Daily, CCTV, ABS CBN, GMA, and PTV covered the event. The topics discussed were the China-ASEAN negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, the Philippines-China Bilateral Cooperation in the South China Sea, and US-China major power rivalry.

C. International Conference on the State of Chinese Studies in the Philippines: Problems, Perspectives and Possibilities

PACS in cooperation with Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc., the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Miriam College co-organized the “International Conference on the State of Scholarship on the Chinese in the Philippines: Problems, Perspectives, and Possibilities,” held at Miriam College in Quezon City on 10-11 January 2020. Filipino and foreign scholars from Asia, Europe and the Americas presented their papers on a broad range of topics on Chinese Filipinos. Dr. Martin Woesler, President of World Association for Chinese Studies (WACS) joined the international conference by delivering his Solidarity Message during the Opening Ceremony and presenting his lecture during the Closing Plenary Session. Full program of the conference is found here: http://tsinoyconference.com/programme/.
D. Public Forum on the VFA Termination

To discuss the repercussions of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on Philippines-China relations, the Philippine Association organized a Public Lecture on “VFA Termination: Implications for Philippines-China Relations” on 3 March 2020 at the Leong Auditorium of Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU). Co-organized by ADMU’s Chinese Studies Program (CSP), the public lecture featured the talk of Mr. Ericson Baculinao, a long-time Filipino resident in China and Beijing Bureau Chief of NBC News. An Emmy Awardee, Baculinao explained that the VFA termination would change not only the direction of Philippines-American relations but also of Philippines-China relations. He also discussed the impact of VFA termination on regional security as well as on the situation in the South China Sea. He argued that the VFA termination would affect American presence in Asia and the dynamics of US-China big power competition.
E. Webinar: The Role of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture in Prevention and Control of COVID 19

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, PACS successfully co-hosted on 29 May 2020 a webinar on “The Role of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture in Prevention and Control of COVID 19” with NGOs in China and the Philippines namely the Amity Foundation, KAISA, the Philippine Acupuncture Academy Inc. and the Philippines-China Friendship Association. The event attracted nearly 200 participants from 121 organizations in 15 countries that included Japan, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and the USA. Most participants were professionals in health care, research and social development work. More than half of the participants were practitioners of acupuncture.

F. Webinar: Philippines-China Relations During COVID-19

PACS and the Philippine Studies Center of Jinan University co-hosted a webinar on “Philippines-China Relations During COVID-19” on 27 July 2020 from 9.00 A.M. – 12.00 P.M. In his opening remarks, Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, PACS President, briefly introduced the Association, explaining that the webinar was part of the yearlong celebration of the 45th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic ties. Prof Dai Fan, Director of the Philippine Studies Center (PSC) at Jinan University, expressed his appreciation for the growing collaboration between the center and PACS and anticipated the success of the new series of joint webinars. Established in 2016, the PSC is an area study base, a think tank, and public policy advocate that promotes a better understanding of the Philippines in China. Prof Zhang Zhengjian, Dean of International Studies at Jinan University noted in his remarks that while 45 years of diplomatic ties is not a very long time, there were substantial issues to be addressed.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, highlighted in his keynote speech the need for closer cooperation given that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a global crisis threatening people’s health and lives. Also in his keynote address, Philippines Ambassador to China, Chito Sta. Romana reminded participants of the long history of Filipino-Chinese ties over the centuries. The current pandemic has slackened the pace of bilateral cooperation but opened a new dimension in China-Philippines relations.
G. Webinar: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Healthy Lifestyle in COVID-19 Pandemic

In cooperation with the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University, PACS held a webinar on “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Healthy Lifestyle in COVID Pandemic Crisis” on 1 August 2020. The organizers invited two speakers to talk about TCM and a healthy lifestyle to prevent and overcome COVID-19 infections. Dr. Li Min, the deputy dean of the College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, discussed the TCM Lifestyle in COVID Crisis. She discussed some principles of TCM and its applications in China according to the country’s four weather seasons. She also described TCM applications in hot weather like in the Philippines. The other speaker was Dr. Alfonso Lagaya. Former Director-General of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) of the Department of Health (DOH). He talked on Public Health Advocacy in Natural Healthy Lifestyle in Preventing COVID-19 Infection During the Hot Philippine Climate. Dr. Lagaya also suggested some healthful tips on how to prevent COVID-19 infections. He stressed the need for regular exercise and the importance of eating vegetables to remain healthy. He also demonstrated how to apply acupuncture to identify an illness in our body. Around 140 participants from the Philippines, China, and abroad attended the webinar. Philippine Ambassador to China, His Excellency Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana also attended the event.
H. Webinar: Assessing the Belt and Road Initiative in the Philippines

On 22 August 22, 2020, PACS organized a webinar on “Assessing the Belt and Road Initiative in the Philippines Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2015-2020.” The speakers were Alvin Camba, a Ph.D. in Sociology candidate at the Johns Hopkins University, and Dr. Liu Peng, Associate Professor at the Center for China’s Neighbor Diplomacy Studies at Yunnan University. PACS President Dr. Rommel Banlaoi gave the opening remarks while former PACS President and currently a member of the PACS Board of Directors, Dr. Tina Clemente, introduced moderated the webinar attended by around 200 participants.

I. Webinar: Current Achievements and Challenges in Philippines-China Relations

PACS and the Philippine Studies Center of Jinan University held the second series of its webinar on Philippines-China Relations During COVID-19. The second webinar entitled, “Current Achievements and Challenges in Philippines-China Relations” was held on 4 September 2020 from 9:00 AM. – 12:00 NN. Two major topics were discussed namely 1) Chinese Workers in the Philippines and Filipino Workers in China: Current Issues and Challenges; and, 2) The BRI Impacts on Economic, Political and Social Relations. Resource speakers were: 1) Dr. Li Meiting, affiliated Professor at Jinan University; 2) Ms. Susan Xiao of 51 Talk’s ; 3) Dr. Alvin Ang of Ateneo De Manila University; and 4) Dr. Huang Renwei of Fudan University. Dr. Dai Fan of Jinan University and Mr. Lucio Pitlo III of PACS served as reactors during the said webinar.

J. Creation of Viewpoints

In September 2020, PACS created a commentary section in its official website. Called “Viewpoints”, it publishes think pieces and commentaries on current concerns about China, the Chinese in the Philippines, and other national, regional, and global issues affecting Philippines-China Relations.

K. Launching: Chinese Studies Journal Volume 13

On 3 October 2020 at 2-4 PM, PACS launched the Volume 13 of its Chinese Studies Journal (CSJ) during its first ever virtual General Assembly and celebration of Moon Festival. The theme of the Volume 13 of the CSJ is “Perspectives on China and the Chinese Through the Years: A Retrospective Collection 1992-2003” edited by Dr. Tina Clemente. The collection is an expression of PACS’ long-standing commitment to cultivate knowledge production with scholarship and practice. As such, the pieces in the collection are a mix of research articles, commentaries, addresses, and a report written by luminaries in the field like Eric Baculinao, Theresa Carino, Jaime Flor Cruz, Benito Lim, Ellen Palanca, Chito Santa Romana, Teresita Ang See, and the late Aileen Baviera.

L. Webinar: Traditional Medicine in the Management of COVID-19

In cooperation with the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University and the Philippine Academy of Acupuncture, PACS held the second series of the webinars on “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The second webinar was themed, “Traditional Medicine in the Management of COVID-19” held on 17 October 2020. The organizers invited two speakers to talk about the role of traditional medicine in preventing and overcoming COVID-19 infections. Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, MD, MPH, CMA, former Secretary of the Philippine Department of Health and currently Chairman of Health Futures Foundation, Inc., discussed “Filipino Herbal Medicine and COVID-19”. He introduced several fruits and vegetables with medicinal properties and its advantages in preventing and controlling COVID -19. The other speaker, Dr. Arnusharief Hassiman, OMD, from the Shanghai University of Traditional Medicine discussed “Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Its Benefits for the Rehabilitation of SARS-COV2 Patients.” He shared his experiences in fighting COVID-19 and other illnesses such as cancer through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Around 140 participants attended the webinar via zoom with the live Facebook broadcast having around 200 views and still counting.
M. Webinar: Continuing Concerns in Philippines-China Relations in the Post-COVID-19 Period

In cooperation with the Philippine Studies Center of Jinan University, PACS co-hosted the third and final series of its webinar on Philippines-China Relations During COVID-19. The third webinar was entitled, “Continuing Concerns in Philippines-China Relations in the Post-COVID-19 Period” held on 6 November 2020 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN. Two major topics were discussed namely 1) US-China Relations and the South China Sea Disputes; and, 2) Media Coverage and Public Perception of Philippines-China Relations. Two speakers discussed the first topic: Dr. Li Kaisheng of Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Dr. Ju Hailong of Jinan University. Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, PACS Honorary Fellow, served as a reactor. The second topic was discussed by Mr. Lucio Pitlo III of PACS with Mr. Jaime Flor Cruz, PACS Honorary Fellow, as a reactor.

N. International Conferences

PACS also presented lectures and delivered papers in the following international conferences:

• China-ASEAN 2020 Think Tank Forum co-organized by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) and Hainan Federation of Social Science Association (HFSSA) on 22 December 2020.
• Beijing Xiangshan Forum Video Workshop organized by the China Association for Military Science on 2 December 2020.
• China-ASEAN NGO Online Seminar marking the 17th China ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, China on 27 November 2020
• Web-based International Conference on China-ASEAN Sub-Regional Cooperation in the Post-Epidemic Era organized by the Institute of Chinese Studies, Malaysia on 20 November 2020.
• China-ASEAN Virtual Forum on the South China Sea organized by the South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI) and the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) on 18 November 2020.
• Virtual Symposium on Maritime Cooperation and Governance organized by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) in cooperation with China-ASEAN Research Institute on the South China Sea (CSARC) and Institute for China American Studies (ICAS) on 5-6 November 2020.
• International Symposium on the South China Sea organized by the China Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) on 2 September 2020.
• 4th World Conference on Chinese Studies virtually organized by the World Association for Chinese Studies (WACS) on 15-18 August 2020.

INSTITUTIONAL/ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, PACS lost two of its two very important founding leaders: Dr. Aileen Baviera who passed on 21March 2020 and Dr. Aurora Roxas Lim who left on 16 November 2020. Dr. Baviera and Dr. Lim served as PACS President on 2006-2010 and 2001-2006, respectively. PACS publishes its Chinese Studies Journal (CSJ) Volume 13 in memory of Dr Baviera. Volume 14 (forthcoming in February 2021) of CSJ will be published in memory of Dr. Lim.

A. PACS General Election

On 25 May 2020, PACS held its regular general election, which resulted in the election of the following new members of the Board of Directors of PACS to serve a two-year term from 2020-2022:

Execom Members
Rommel C. Banlaoi, President Aristotle Dy, Vice President
Sharlene May Cua, Secretary Charles De Guzman, Treasurer

Members of the Board of Directors: Therese Carino, Tan Cho Chiong, Tina Clemente, Erwin Dizon, Ivy Ganadillo, Lucio Pitlo III, and Paulo Villar

B. Strategic Planning

From June to August 2020, newly elected members of the PACS Board of Directors conducted a series of strategic planning sessions as part of its institution-strengthening. The strategic planning process established four major committees: 1) Membership/Internal Committee; 2) External Affairs Committee; 3) Events Committee; and, 4) Research/Publications Committee. The process also resulted in the formulation of PACS new vision and mission, to wit:

Our Vision

• PACS is a dynamic organization that envisions strong and confident Filipino people that understands China and the Chinese to contribute towards a more peaceful world.

Our Mission

• The Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS) is a non-partisan and non-profit professional association of diverse scholars and enthusiasts that seeks to deepen knowledge of China and Chinese among Filipinos in order to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

C. PACS Board of Advisers

In September 2020, the current members of the PACS Board of Directors elected His Excellency Ambassador Chito Santa Romana as a new member of the PACS Board Advisers. Other members of the PACS Board of Advisers are Ellen Palanca and Teresita Ang See. Dr. Aileen Baviera and Dr. Aurora Roxas Lim who passed in 2020 were sitting as member of the PACS Board of Advisers.

D. PACS Honorary Fellowship

In July-August 2020, members of the PACS Board of Directors conferred the title of Honorary Fellow to two eminent individuals who enormously contributed to the promotion of Chinese Studies in the Philippines: Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta and Mr. Jaime Flor Cruz. Dr. Villacorta was the Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 2011- 2012, and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN from 2003- 2006. He was a delegate to the 1986 Constitutional Commission that framed the present Philippine Constitution. Mr. Cruz, on the other hand, was a veteran China watcher and former foreign Beijing Bureau Chief for CNN (2001-2014) and TIME magazine (1982-2000). He is fluent in Filipino, English, and Mandarin Chinese. Mr. FlorCruz is currently an adjunct professor at Peking University and teaches courses on China and the Media.

E. New SEC Registration

On 25 November 2020, PACS received its new Certificate of Incorporation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The certification grants PACS its new juridical personality as a non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental professional organization.

F. PACS Official Secretariat Office

PACS and the Chinese Studies Program (CSP) of Ateneo de Manila University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 December 2020. The MOU allows PACS to establish its official secretariat office at the CSP and to use the following official address:

PACS SECRETARIAT
c/o Chinese Studies Program
2nd F, Room 200 Leong Hall
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights
Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
TeleFax (632) 9265118; 9295397

G. PACS BIR Registration

On 21 December 2020, PACS received its official registration from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a non-stock, non-profit, non-government professional organization. This allows PACS to issue its Official Receipt (OR) for its financial activities.