Ambassador Igor Khovaev said Thursday afternoon the
campaign will help, not only in strengthening the ties between the two
countries but will also pave the way for more Russian tourists to visit,
especially Tubabao Island.
About 6,000 “White Russian” refugees from China stayed on Tubabao
Island in 1949, a former American base during World War II.
The refugees were called “White Russians” as they opposed
communism. The group, which started in Russia, also organized the Russian
immigrants in China to leave, when the Communists came into power.
In their appeal to the international community, only the
Philippines - through the administration of then-President Elpidio Quirino -
replied to their request. The offer was made even if the country was still
recovering from the devastation of WWII.
Tubabao Island was the designated place for the “White Russians”
to stay while they wait for other countries to grant them asylum. In 1951,
after two years of stay on the island, the refugees were granted asylum to the
United States of America, Australia, France, and South American and European
countries.
“Unfortunately, this story is little known in Russia. I think we
should combine our effort to let all people know that. This can be a bridge of
friendship, connecting Russia and all Filipinos,” Ambassador Khovaev said.
“They deserve to know the story and I’m sure that many of them
will have desire and will want to visit this place. Hopefully this can be our
modest contribution for the social and economic development of this region,”
Khovaev added.
“As far as the Russian Embassy in Manila, we will do our best. I
hope that in the near future that Tubabao and Guiuan will become a destination
of pilgrimage of Russian tourists because this is a very special story. A story
that is very close to the heart of all Russian people. We will do our best to
let as many people to know that,” Khovaev added.
Next year, the odyssey of “White Russians” to Tubabao Island will
mark its 70th year, a milestone that needs to be properly celebrated.
The ambassador said they will work closely with the President
Elpidio Quirino Foundation on this.
In his visit to Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the ambassador went to
Tubabao Island and offered prayers and flowers at the refugee marker located in
the heart of the island.
He also visited the old site of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Most
Holy Theotokos (Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary), where then
Archbishop John Maximovich, who was later venerated into sainthood, served.
The archbishop, now known as Saint John of Shanghai and San
Francisco, was also instrumental for the granting of asylum to the “White
Russians in Tubabao” in the US.
Ambassador Khovaev also went to the Guiuan public cemetery to
visit the graves of some of the “White Russians” who died during their stay in
Tubabao.
During his visit to Guiuan, Ambassador Khovaev also expressed his
elation to the effort of the former mayor of Guiuan, Annaliz Gonzalez-Kwan and
her daughter Kinna Kwan to conduct research to let the people know about the
forgotten history of Tubabao that has a great impact on the lives of the
Russian people.
“I’m deeply impressed, touch and humbled. I think this is a very
meaningful story because despite that huge geographical distance there is
something that connects our country,” Ambassador Khovaev.
Ambassador Khovaev referred to the Philippines as a “country of
refuge, country of assistance and help, and country of care” when showed the
documentary about the “White Russians” in Tubabao, which was produced by the
President Elpidio Quirino Foundation. (RTA/PNA)
No comments:
Post a Comment