Philippine’s cultural heritage on display in Tehran
A photographic exhibition highlighting the Philippines’ natural beauty and cultural heritage, titled ‘The Hidden Pearl,’ opened on January 26 at the Maryam-e Moqaddas (Persian for Holy Virgin Mary) metro station in Tehran.
The event, attended by Philippine Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo and Tehran municipal officials, marks the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and the Philippines, Hamshahri Online reported.
The exhibition aims to provide Iranian commuters with a visual introduction to the Philippines’ rich culture and architecture, serving as a cultural bridge between the two nations. “We are proud to carry the distinction of transporting over two million passengers daily,” stated Masoud Lotfi, CEO of Tehran Urban & Suburban Railway Operation Corporation.
“We must leverage these opportunities to elevate the travel experience and improve the well-being of our citizens. These art galleries offer a valuable platform to foster familiarity with diverse cultures and expand the intellectual horizons of our society.”
Ambassador Manalo underscored the potential for further collaboration, noting that the Philippines, with its archipelago of over 7,000 islands, currently has only one city with a metro system.
He expressed the Philippines’ eagerness to partner with Iranian metro construction companies to expand urban transportation infrastructure. “We are prepared to collaborate with Iranian metro construction companies to develop metro lines in the Philippines,” Manalo stated. He also highlighted the extensive cooperation between the Philippines and Iran over the past 62 years, emphasizing the exhibition as a key element in sharing Filipino culture with the Iranian public. The Philippines, a nation with a significant Muslim population in its southern regions, hopes the exhibition will dispel misconceptions and showcase the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions.