Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. is an Assistant Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of the Tehran, a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of the Shahid Behesti, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran and Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies, Mindanao State University, Marawi City, Philippines. Dr. Sevilla’s research interests are political economy of the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Policy, Persian Gulf Security issues, US Foreign Policy in the Middle East, oil and gas security and terrorism. He was the College coordinator of the West Asian (Middle East studies) at the University of the Philippines Diliman Asian Center.
The Philippines and Turkey have not fully capitalized on their human resources and strategic assets in order to expand commercial ties and boost cultural exchanges. However, thanks largely to the efforts of a critical mass of Turkish nationals who have formed the backbone of a “constituency” for advancing Philippine-Turkey relations, the tide may be turning. Three recent developments indicate that the groundwork is being laid to pursue a more robust bilateral relationship: 1) the opening of Turkish-owned schools operating both in Manila and in Zamboanga City (southern Philippines); 2) the creation of the Pacific Dialogue Foundation in the Philippines; and 3) the establishment of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
The Philippines' Elusive Quest for Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Observer Status
The Philippine government has been pursuing Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) observer since since 2003. Such a strategy, pursued so doggedly for ten unsuccessful years, suggests that decision-makers in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila believe that something very important is to be gained for the country by attaining observer member status.
The Emergency Evacuation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Libya and Syria
The Philippine government accords high priority to the protection of the Overseas Filipino Workers working in the Middle East and North African countries, especially those who are working in conflict areas. Although there have been efforts to strengthen bilateral labor relations between the Philippines and receiving countries, there is still considerable uncertainty about how the protection and well-being of Filipino workers far from home can be assured.
