History Links Mexico, Philippines by Therese Margolis Essay Example

was influenced by Mexico's nationalist fervor. Orros explained that linguistically, our two nations are also connected.Orros states that Filipino, also called Tagalog, has over 10,000 words originating from Spanish. The Virgin of Guadalupe was recognized as the official patron saint of the Philippines since 1935, resulting in many Filipinos traveling to Mexico annually to pay tribute to her. During World War II, Washington dispatched the Escuadron 201, an elite squadron of Mexican air force pilots, to assist Allied Forces. Initially meant to aid American troops in Italy, then-President Manuel Avila Camacho convinced Franklin D. Roosevelt to redirect them towards supporting the Allies instead.

President Roosevelt chose to send brave pilots to fight alongside Filipino soldiers in the Philippines rather than sending them to Europe. Although only a few of these pilots are still living, they are regarded as national heroes by the Philippine government and were personally decorated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her official visit to Mexico City in November 2004. The surviving squadron members are being arranged for a trip as guests of the Philippine government by Orros, but their health must be considered because of their advanced age. Meanwhile, the ambassador is working on strengthening trade connections between Mexico and the Philippines that have been established for many years. Despite combined trade figures being less than impressive at US$340 million in 2004, he believes that our nations' intertwined histories and long-lasting friendship can revitalize these ties.

Orros acknowledged that there is a significant overlap in the products manufactured and exported by companies in the Philippines and Mexico. However, he believes that the two nations could develop a strong partnership in terms of shipping routes.

Orros also expressed a desire for increased investment cooperation between the countries. Cemex, a Mexican cement company, has already invested almost $1 billion in the Philippines, and a Philippine firm holds stakes in a Veracruz shipping service. To boost trade and investment, the Philippine-Mexico Business Council was formed in 1996, and commercial delegations are expected to exchange sometime later this year. Orros hopes that there will be a "special trade agreement" between the two nations in the future."

A cultural and academic agreement that already exists, yet has not been utilized well, will be reviewed in 2006 by a joint commission. According to Orros, this could stimulate collaboration in these areas. He acknowledged that the lack of funds has been a problem in the past, stating that ambitious projects without sufficient resources cannot be accomplished. Thus, the focus should be on feasible projects.

The renewal of cooperation between Mexico and the Philippines is unavoidable, according to Orros. The ambassador has facilitated the establishment of sister-city connections between towns in both countries. He stated that destiny has frequently united the two nations, and that the common bond of friendship and history they share should be the foundation for building a new commercial relationship that would be as globally powerful as the Nao galleon routes were 400 years ago.