As part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Philippines–Japan Friendship Year, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Division of Social Sciences, the Center for West Visayas Studies (CWVS), and the Gender and Development Program—in cooperation with the German Institute of Japanese Studies and the Japan Foundation—mounted a two-day conference titled “Southeast Asia and Indo-Pacific Imaginaries.”
Held at the National Museum of the Philippines–Iloilo in Iloilo City from January 29–30, 2026, the conference welcomed academics and researchers from different parts of the world.
Dr. Clement C. Camposano, Chancellor of UPV, delivered the welcome message during the opening program and highlighted key points.
“The idea of a free Indo-Pacific, a free and open Indo-Pacific, has been gaining traction as a strategy being adopted by member states of ASEAN and also other states in the area,” Dr. Camposano said.
“Of course, this is a strategy that has always been articulated by the Japanese government, but it has resonated very well with many states in the region. That is why a conference like this is important—because we need to be reminded of the fact that Southeast Asia and the notion of the Indo-Pacific are, in fact, recent geopolitical inventions,” he added.
The presentations on Day One included Fathun Karib, David M. Malitz, Dolf-Alexander Neuhaus, Wasana Wongsurawat, Yannis-Adam Allouache, Maria Thaemar Tana, Virgemarie A. Salazar, Henelito A. Sevilla Jr., Pietro Fasola, Vanessa Sonta, Za Lian Kum, Simon Kaack, Md. Jahangir Alam, Abhijitha Singh, Ismah Rustam, and Danae M. Pantano. Dr. Camposano also delivered a special lecture in the afternoon.
Day Two of the conference featured presentations by Chavalin Svetanant, Thomas Baudinette, Narut Charoensri, Yasmin Sattar, Thawatchai Worrakittimalee, Thanachate Wisaijorn, Anusorn Chaiaksornwet, John Lee Candelaria, Abel A. Ubaldo, Ma. Dorothy Mananghaya, Jervy C. Briones, and Julien Paret.
UPV CWVS Director Asst. Prof. Frances Anthea Redison headed the organizing committee of the conference.
Written by Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog
Photos courtesy of Alven Polido, IPO
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