Lecture by East Timor President

Today I had the opportunity to attend a talk sponsored by BRIDGES International Peace Foundation by Pres. Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste (East Timor). Articulate and having a sense of humor, he did not bore the audience. The only boring part was when Catholic religious (one Radio Veritas reporter, one brother, one sister who didn't ask but bragged about her school's outreach to East Timor) dominated the Q&A part, denying my ( and my friend's) opportunity to ask something important. I know the Philippines is an important partner of this country, given similarities in religion and colonial legacy. However, it seems that a lot of Filipinos blindly offer all kinds of assistance to this country and history would repeat itself when the Philippines was too proud to help its neighbors through the International Rice Research Institute, which made our neighbors a net exporter while the country becoming the WORLD'S LARGEST IMPORTER OF RICE!

I can see East Timor's potential. Even if it has been ravaged by war and violence, its people and leaders are determined. It now has petroleum reserves. I can hint mining and tourism potential. Scholarships are offered by foreign countries (particularly the Philippines, which has yet to solve its own problems and has given $20M to Myanmar in a pledge)  or supported by its government. Past rifts are being healed internally and externally. Mindanao has not. 

I'm not saying the Philippines should not be generous or concerned with the international community. But it should help itself before lending aid to others.

We actually followed him to the reception to his departure, even though "security was tight," we managed to sneeked in. I was fortunate to shake his hands and exchange a five min. conversation, probably the highest official I cam in close contact. So unfortuante I wasn't able to meet Hu Jintao before in his visit to Manila. Next time...In less than a year, I can see myself as a tour guide to world leaders.