ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Oct. 21 (PIA) - October 20 marks the opening salvo of what is recognized as the biggest, most attended and longest convention in the history of the Philippines- the Philippine International Quincentennial Conference which runs from Oct. 20 to Dec. 17, 2021.

The convention is the highlight of the country’s commemoration of the 500th year anniversary of circumnavigation of the world.

Spearheaded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the activity is an official project in line with the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, in solidarity with the Year of Filipino Pre-Colonial Ancestors and the Philippine International Quincentennial Conference.

Around 100 Filipinos and foreign scholars, diplomats, officials, artists, and scientists will deliver their insights and researches in 13 different Conference Sessions encapsulating the theme “Situating the Filipino and the Philippines in 1521.”

For the Inaugural Session that runs on Oct. 20 to 22, the core theme is "Viewing the Quincentennial" with primary focus on the diplomatic engagements highlighted by this once-in-a-lifetime event, the contributions of the various commemorating countries to the world-wide commemoration, and the reimagining of the events of 1521 towards a Filipino-centric perspective.
 
“This is the year in which we commemorate the 500 years of the Philippine part in circumnavigation and it was no small part and this is also the year in which we commemorate the 75 years of our diplomatic relations,” said Mr. Emanuel Bernades Joaquim , Portuguese Embassy in Jakarta. (RVC/EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)