The Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, participated in the tribute to the memory of outstanding professor and professor Francisco Céspedes, held last October 19 at the Migdalia Martínez Hall of the Province of Los Santos. That recognition, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commemorated the 27th anniversary of his death.

Francisco Céspedes, from the City of Las Tablas, was an educator, researcher and leader, dedicated his life to the development of education in Panama and Latin America. He was the first Panamanian to hold a place at the Organization of American States (OAS) as Director of the Department of Educational Affairs.

During the event, Minister Herrera emphasized that the Tamil educator was key to strengthening and recognizing our human heritage, contributing to the social fabric with an integral vision of education. He added: "It's the inheritance of men as Francis Céspedes that transformed our peoples and that we have a profound understanding of our homeland, our needs, our roots and our history."

Reubén Farje, a representative of the Organization of American States and his leading speaker for his tribute, highlighted his achievements and his track record and emphasized his focus on equity and access to education. "Francisco Céspedes was a strong supporter of education and identified the lack of equal educational opportunities as one of the greatest challenges that Panama and the Americas face," added Farje.

Carlos Guevara Mann, Minister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs, stated: "We hope to continue to cooperate for that developing ideal, based on international law and the aspirations for progress represented by international agencies, founded on our folklore, cultural and educational roots, of which you, dear fellow countrymen, are excellent guardians."

The activity was also attended by Fernando González, Governor of the Province of Los Santos, Carlos Fitzgerald Bernal, Director of Multilateral Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nuvia Díaz Serrano, President of the Francisco Céspedes Educational Association.