J. ALBERT GAMBOA l February 13, 2024 l Manila Bulletin
Since 2014, a total of 236 scholars from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) have been granted the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship (CAS). Aside from the CAS program, UP also hosts the Confucius Institute that offers free online Mandarin courses for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni of the State University.
Last week, CAS grantees gathered at the Chinese Embassy in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City to mark the 10th anniversary of the program. They were led by PNU President Dr. Bert Tuga and UP Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin Agpaoa, along with other officials from the two universities. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong welcomed them to the embassy.
In his speech, Huang said the journey of the scholars is a testament to the transformative power of education. His wish for them as they embark on their respective careers is to be agents of change who will be the future educators, leaders, innovators, or possibly ambassadors. He recounted that Rebekka de Jesus, the first scholar from UP during school year 2014-2015, shared with him that her family’s life vastly improved after she graduated as a CAS grantee.
Huang expressed his hope that the scholars will actively engage as cultural ambassadors in promoting cross-cultural exchanges and a comprehensive understanding of China. “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. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and it knows no boundaries,” he stressed.
At the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, which Huang attended in Beijing last December, a systematic review of the historic achievements and changes in China’s diplomatic policy over the past 10 years was presented. “It pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core tenet of Xi Jinping’s ‘Thought on Diplomacy’ which also coincides with the Filipino community’s Bayanihan spirit of mutual assistance,” he disclosed.
Envisioned to empower financially disadvantaged students and foster people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China, the CAS program has greatly impacted the lives of the scholars from UP and PNU. Their stories of hope and inspiration have expanded the collective narrative of success – proving how education, when combined with determination, can truly make a difference.
Call for nominations
The UP Alumni Association (UPAA) has launched the search for nominees to the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards 2024. These awards are granted to graduates of the State University who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their chosen fields of endeavor and have given outstanding contributions that bring about significant benefits to society.
Recognition is given to those with accomplishments that impact the communities in which they have been active – whether on the local, national, or international level. UPAA’s categories for nominations are: Most Distinguished Alumna and/or Alumnus Award; Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards; Distinguished Alumni Awards; Distinguished Service Awards; and Multigenerational UP Alumni Family Awards. The Most Distinguished Alumna Awardee for 2023 was former Vice President of the Philippines Maria Leonor Robredo.
Nominations are accepted from any UP graduate or UPAA chapter until April 1, 2024. The UPAA is urging sectors and groups to identify nominees who are everyday heroes or unsung achievers making a difference through their quiet work in obscure areas of the country or foreign territories. For details, contact the UPAA Secretariat at landline nos. 7910-6390 and 7587-8722 or email upaa.awards2024@gmail.com. The awards ceremony will be held on August 17, 2024 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City.
*** J. Albert Gamboa is a Life Member of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and Vice-Chair of the FINEX Ethics Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and the Manila Bulletin. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph