Symposium on Russia’s Role in Southeast Asia
Highlights Russia’s Potential as ASEAN Ally
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of Philippines-Russia relations, the Foreign Service Institute and the Yuchengco Center organized the Symposium on Russia's Role in Southeast Asia, held on 29 September 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from various government agencies, the academe and the media. Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco, Chair of the Yuchengco Center Board of Trustees, welcomed the participants to the symposium and His Excellency Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev of the Russian Embassy delivered the keynote speech. The main speaker was Dr. Yuri Raikov of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Odd Man Out
Analyzing Japan’s Asian Identity Crisis
By Valerie Anne Jill I. Valero
Japan’s regional significance, as well as its viability as a regional leader, is mainly rooted in its relative stability and international influence. It is a global economic powerhouse that continues to serve as an exemplary model of national prosperity and development. Furthermore, as an Asian country regarded as an equal by its Western counterparts, Japan is also seen as a possible middleman to Asia and the West, if not Asia’s voice, representation, and proponent of interests in international fora.
Despite its relevance and leadership potential, however, ambivalent attitudes toward Japan still prevail in Asia, especially among East Asian countries.
First Manila Conference on the South China Sea, 5-6 July 2011, Makati City
The First Manila Conference on the South China Sea was successfully held last 5-6 July 2011 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The international conference centered on the theme, The South China Sea: Toward a Region of Peace, Cooperation, and Progress. Several international experts such as Mark Valencia (US), Carlyle Thayer (Australia), Carolina Hernandez (Philippines), Hasjim Djalal (Indonesia), Ian Townsend-Gault (Canada), Aileen Baviera (Philippines), Tran Truong Thuy (Vietnam), Shen Hongfang (China), Maj. Gen. (rtd) Vinod Saighal (India), Tetsuo Kotani (Japan) and other leading analysts from several 
countries discussed the strategic importance of the South China Sea, its geopolitical significance and the challenges as well as opportunities for fostering cooperation and peace in the region surrounding the disputed waters.
Asia Pacific Regional Security Environment
and Security Architecture: Choices and Prospects
by Julio S. Amador III
Does the Asia Pacific region need a new regional security architecture, and if so, what form should it take? The question of resolving or at least managing the regional security environment has become more important as calls for new security arrangements are being made in response to the changing dynamics that affects the region’s stability. Various security challenges brought about by the rise of China and India and the growing recognition of the impact of transnational and non-traditional security concerns along with traditional security concerns such as the potential conflict in the South China Sea and the instability of the Korean Peninsula have heightened the awareness of policymakers, scholars, and analysts to the region’s shortcomings in terms of institutional arrangements designed to resolve potential crisis.
Course on Philippine Culture and Values for the Philippine Foreign Service Personnel
The Foreign Service Institute’s Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy (CPRSD) conducted the Course on Philippine Culture and Values from 14 March to 13 April 2011.
The training program included lectures by notable scholars who are well-versed in the different facets of Philippine culture, values and arts: Dr. Jesus Peralta of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Prof. Felipe de Leon, Jr. of the University of the Philippines, Dr. Shirley Lua of De La Salle University, Dr. Fernando Zialcita of the Ateneo de Manila University and Dr. Florentino Hornedo of the University of Santo Tomas
FSI Accounting Office Inducted into Hall of Fame
The Foreign S
ervice Institute’s Accounting Office has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning the Most Outstanding Accounting Office Award for three consecutive years – 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The award was given by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), Inc., in recognition of the quality, timeliness and accuracy of the financial reports of government accounting offices and compliance to accounting rules and regulations.
The awarding rite was held during the opening ceremonies of the AGAP convention-seminar at the CAP-Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City on 10 November 2010.
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Philippine Treaties Index 1946-2010 is a listing of bilateral and multilateral agreements entered into by the Philippines with other countries and international organizations from 1946 to 2010.
The FSI Record is a book series published by the Foreign Service Institute, which contains studies and analyses on various issue
Bantayog: Discovering Manila through Its Monuments tells the stories behind the 33 monuments throughout the city of Manila.
Conference on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace (Proceedings) contains the speeches and messages delivered during the Conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.