UP, PNU scholars mark 10 years of CAS
Sfrom the University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University, led by UP Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin Agpaoa and PNU President Bert Tuga, gathered at the Chinese Embassy in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City, on Monday, February 5, for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship (CAS).
Ambassador Huang Xilian welcomed the officials, alumni and scholars and expressed pleasure in the event, marking a program milestone initiated 10 years ago to empower financially disadvantaged Filipino students and foster people-to-people exchanges between China and the Philippines.
A total of 236 scholars from UP and PNU have since benefited from the scholarship.
“These young brilliant minds have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence. I would also like to extend appreciation to both universities for your collaboration and support in making this scholarship program a success,” Huang said, stressing that “education is the cornerstone of progress, and it knows no boundaries.”
He said the first scholar from UP for the academic year 2014-2015, Rebekka de Jesus, wrote him a message days earlier, sharing that after her graduation, her family’s life improved greatly.
“I was able to support my two siblings in their studies, too. One is now a licensed aircraft mechanic, and the other is in his final year in college. Your support still impacts us up to this day,” the alumni wrote.
“Congratulations to Rebekka and all of you here for what you have achieved. Your journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, and I encourage you to see yourselves as agents of change. You will be the future educators, leaders, innovators, or possibly ambassadors. As you embark on your careers, I hope you will actively engage in promoting cross-cultural exchanges, contributing to the rich tapestry of friendship that binds our nations,” the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines continued.
He said he returned to China last December for the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, which presented a systematic review of the historic achievements, changes and valuable experience of China’s diplomacy over the past 10 years.
“It pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core tenet of [President] Xi Jinping’s ‘Thought on Diplomacy,’ which also coincides with the Filipino community’s Bayanihan spirit of mutual assistance and help. It also underpins the idea of funding Filipino students throughout the years. Despite difficulties in our relationship on and off, we remain committed to resolving disputes through friendly dialogue and consultation,” he said.
“We are countries tied with geographical proximity, kinship, and common cultural traditions, and should champion our Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness, and integration. All of you graduates of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship program are uniquely positioned to become cultural ambassadors, promoting a comprehensive understanding of China, fostering closer ties between our two countries, and contributing to a community with a shared future for mankind,” Ambassador Huang added.
“Dear scholars and professors, there is an old Chinese saying that goes, ‘It takes 10 years to grow trees and a hundred years to nurture talents.’ A decade is just the beginning of our long-lasting scholarship program. In the future, we will continue to expand our cooperation by providing scholars with more opportunities to be part of activities organized by our Embassy that extend beyond the academic realm,” he said.
“I look forward to your contribution to the enduring connections between China and the Philippines. May the bonds of friendship that you cultivate today serve as a foundation for a brighter, more interconnected future. Thank you!” the Ambassador concluded.
Besides the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship program, UP also hosts the Confucius Institute, which offers free online Chinese (Mandarin) Language courses for UP students, faculty, staff, officials and alumni. For non-UP denizens, the course fee is P3,800 each.
Visit https://ci.upd.edu.ph/ for the UP Confucius Institute or http://ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/ eng/zfgx/whhjy/ and https://web. facebook.com/ChinaEmbassyManila for more information.