To mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the Philippines, the Royal Thai Embassy, with the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Thailand, turned over two paintings to UPLB on September 9, 2024, at the Dusit Thani, Manila.
Under the collaborative project “Street Arts through the Lens of Thai and Philippine Artists,” Filipino visual artist Kris Abrigo and Thai painter Thaweesak Srithongdee co-created the masterpieces with their team. The two contemporary paintings, around 1.5 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide, depict the shared culture and history between the Philippines and Thailand.
In his welcoming speech, Deputy Director General Panidone Pachimsawat of the Department of Information of MFA Thailand expressed his delight in celebrating 75 years of enduring friendship and cultural cooperation between the two countries through the collaborative art project.
His Excellency Tull Traisorat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines, noted the role of UPLB as an institution that promotes “people-to-people connectivity” among the Thai people and Filipinos through its partnerships with universities in Thailand.
UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., in his acceptance speech, pledged that UPLB would remain steadfast in its commitment to fostering learning and cultural exchange between the two countries.
He recounted that the partnership between Thailand and the Philippines is symbolized by what is now a cultural landmark in the UPLB campus, the Golden Jubilee Thai Pavilion.
The Golden Jubilee Thai Pavilion was built through the initiatives of Thai students and alumni in gratitude for their invaluable journey while in UPLB.
It was inaugurated on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s assumption to the throne as king of Thailand on March 14, 1997.
UPLB, led by Chancellor Camacho, together with Vice Chancellor (VC) for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno, VC for Planning and Development Rossana Marie C. Amongo, Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources Marlo D. Mendoza, and University Planning and Maintenance Office (UPMO) Director Haerold Dean Z. Layaoen, were present during the turnover ceremony.
The two paintings are set to be displayed at the International Student Center of the UPLB Graduate School. (Juvelle P. Villanueva)