On 28 November 2025, Minister for Economic Affairs YOKOTA Naobumi attended a lecture hosted by the Embassy of Spain entitled “Architecture and Urban Planning during the Spanish Period” at the National University Mall of Asia (NU MOA). Also in attendance to the event were Embassy of Spain First Secretary Alvaro García Moreno, NU MOA Executive Director Dolly Rose S. Manalang, Academic Director Dr. Annalie N. de Lemos, and School of Architecture Dean Arch. Serge T. Chua, Jr.
The conference, organized by the Embassy of Spain in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the NU MOA, invited distinguished Spanish architects Associate Professor Juan Ramon Jimenez from the University of Shiga Prefecture, and Project Assistant Professor Jesus Pulido from the Center for Global Education of the University of Tokyo, who are also conducting significant research in Japanese universities. The lecture focused on Mr. Jimenez’s and Mr. Pulido’s studies on Spanish architecture and fortifications in Intramuros, Parian, San Nicolas, Cavite, Cebu, and Davao among others.
In his message, Minister Yokota thanked the Embassy of Spain for organizing collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering greater awareness on cultural heritage protection among the youth. He also encouraged the students to continue actively engaging in cultural exchange opportunities to foster greater international cooperation and friendship.
Since the elevation of Japan and Spain’s bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in 2018, both countries have pursued further coordination and cooperation in emerging nations through their respective embassies. Building on this strong foundation, Japan’s participation in this event reflects its commitment to bolstering the friendship and collaboration between Japan, the Philippines, and Spain.
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. Also in attendance to the event were Embassy of Spain First Secretary Alvaro García Moreno, NU MOA Executive Director Dolly Rose S. Manalang, Academic Director Dr. Annalie N. de Lemos, and School of Architecture Dean Arch. Serge T. Chua, Jr. ){kind=link}