One World.Many Theories

After the heavy yet fruitful and interesting class discussion that we had tonight, my understanding of the different theories of international relations was deepened but at the same time it was tested. I learned various things in the lecture but I will present the top five concerns and learnings that really caught my attention. First is regarding the word discourse. Before I thought that it can only applied to group discussions or sharings but now I learned that it can be associated with other ideas such as human rights discourse, which includes the human rights activities and culture. Second is the Bojinka Plot. I was deeply astonished about it. I never heard of it before. It was the first time and it was unbelievable. Third is regarding the passage of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid and workers such as the Red Cross are untouchables during the presence of war. Fourth, I knew about the South China Sea conflict in my past classes yet I didn’t realize that China really has the greatest claim as compared to other countries, including the Philippines. I am saddened by this reality. I still believe that the territory should belong to the Philippines. If only could we. And the fifth and last, which is related to the fourth learning that I had, is the policy of the Philippine government towards its territorial integrity. It was a horrible act. It was inhumane and unfair for PGMA to sign the MOA-AD and give away about 635 barangays away, just like that. I just hope that the next President of the Republic will work to protect our territory.

My Expectations

I have three expectations for the PHIFOCY course. First, I want to understand the why’s rather than the what’s of the Philippine’s Foreign Policy. I hope that after successfully completing the course, I will be able to analyze the countries policy and stand on certain events within and out of the country. Moreover, I also expect that I will be able to analyze the standards or basis of the Foreign Policies of other States. Second, I expect that I will be able to enhance and strengthen my skills in crafting Policy Papers. I am really glad that we will be having a portfolio. I also believe that in can really help me in the future. And third, I expect that I will have various diverse learnings in the class that I can relate and use to with my former, current and upcoming subjects in this degree. I expect the class will be enlightening, meaning and most of all fun.