The graduation ceremony of the 1st Chinese Language Class for Philippine Diplomatic Envoys was held on Apr 2 at Huaqiao University (HQU). The training program was jointly hosted by HQU and Consulate General of the Philippines in Xiamen to strengthen China-PHL cultural exchanges. 25 diplomats from Philippine Embassy in Beijing and PCGs in Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Hong Kong attended the class as the first batch of trainees since Nov 2023.

“Learning Chinese not only facilitates communication between Philippine and Chinese peoples, but also helps us delve deeper into Chinese culture and Chinese way of thinking. Chinese plays an important part in our work and daily life as diplomats.” Maria Antonina Mendoza Oblena, Consul General of PCG Xiamen delivered a speech in Chinese on behalf of the trainees at the graduation ceremony.

Lin Hongyu, HQU Vice President thanked the diplomats in his speech for trusting HQU and choosing to learn Chinese at HQU. Noting that this program also provides a platform for the university to learn from the diplomats, he expressed his hope that the PHL diplomats would play an instrumental role in strengthening China-PHL ties, and deepen cooperation in areas such as education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Oblena emphasized that the Philippines has maintained friendly relations with China over centuries. As maritime neighbors with strong business and cultural ties, the two countries forged a profound friendship. “It’s quite important for Filipinos to learn Chinese,” she encouraged Philippine students at HQU to cherish their learning opportunities and strive to be envoys of friendship between the two countries.

“Chinese is a tool and a bridge for communication. It is very important for us diplomatic envoys to know well the culture and people here. My duties as a diplomat involve attending meetings with my Chinese counterparts. The Chinese class has made my job easier.” shared by Jeannie F. Petrola, Cultural Officer and Consular Assistant of PCG Shanghai. She looks forward to continuing her Chinese language learning with HQU teachers.

At the graduation ceremony, HQU and Consulate General of the Philippines in Xiamen also signed a language service cooperation agreement to enhance the collaboration and partnership in providing language-related services.

Directors from HQU Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, School of Preparatory Education and the Philippines Agency of Huaqiao University, as well as some Philippine students at HQU attended the ceremony.

HQU carried out an in-depth survey to identify the learning needs of the diplomats, tailored a Chinese crash course and teaching support for them, and stayed updated on their learning and their satisfaction with the course through questionnaires. The course is focused on basic daily and diplomatic expressions in Chinese, so that the trainees could improve their Chinese communication skills, deepen their knowledge of Chinese society and culture and adapt to their work and life in China.

HQU Vice President Lin Hongyu Presenting Certificate of Completion to CG Oblena of PCG Xiamen

Signing the Language Service Cooperation Agreement

The Graduation Ceremony

(Editor: Wei Linying)