By: Rey Anthony Chiu

Unknown to many, a Boholana from a prominent family of Baclayon led the country’s delegation to the 2011 Taiwan Study Camp for Future Leaders from its Pacific Allies. Lawyer Denya Gracia D. Uy – Anastacio, sister of Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy headed the country’s seven-man delegation to the study camp held in Taiwan, between November 16-25 this year. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan, the study camp hopes to weld stronger relations between host Taiwan and its allies in the Pacific by immersing study camp participants to the culture and development of the region’s one of the most prominently evolving economies. From a nation that used to be a recipient of international donations, Taiwan has since been shaken off from its economic stupor to compete with the ever expanding race among region’s promising economies. “How it does this, Taiwan shares with the study camp participant delegates who come from other sovereign nations as Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauro, Marshall Islands, Palau and other southeast Asian countries,” Anastacio modestly shared.

Part of the goal is to cultivate future leaders and make them understand more about   ROC (Taiwan) by promoting its developments in the areas of   bio-technology, green energy sources, tourism, and cultural developments. As an awakening power, Taiwan, which figures prominently in Chinese history, conserved its rich artifacts and heritage structures reminiscent of its being the Chinese capital when Chinese President Chiang Kai-Shek relocated it here. The preservation and conservation of its history, culture and heritage has become one of the key strengths of Taiwan tourism industry, she said while hinting the Philippines can learn Taiwan’s lessons. During the delegation’s stay in Taiwan, they would attend briefings, workshops and would be immersed in sessions introducing Taiwan development and visit other parts of Taiwan such as Taichung, Hsinchu, apart from Taipei.