From January 14th to 17th, a delegation led by Vice President Ouyang Songying of Fujian Normal University (FNU) visited the Philippines to advance educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The delegation included representatives from the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, the College of International Education, and the College of Life Sciences.
Celebrating 15 Years of the Confucius Institute at AUF
At Angeles University Foundation (AUF), the delegation joined the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute and the 12th National Chinese Language Teaching Conference. In his address, Vice President Ouyang highlighted the long-standing partnership between FNU and AUF, praising the Confucius Institute for its vital role in advancing Chinese language education in the Philippines, training local teachers, and fostering cultural exchange.
During the visit, he also attended the reopening of renovated classrooms and offices for institute teachers, joined a roundtable forum, and met with Ambassador Jing Quan and institute staff. He encouraged teachers to continue their meaningful work, emphasizing the importance of enriching classroom experiences to strengthen China-Philippines educational ties.
In a meeting with AUF President Dr. Joseph Angelis and medical center researchers, both sides explored collaboration in life sciences and pharmaceutical development, signaling a shared interest in expanding cooperation into biomedicine.
Engagement at Chiang Kai Shek College
At Chiang Kai Shek College, Vice President Ouyang observed Chinese language classes and interacted with students. He described the college as a benchmark for Chinese language education in the Philippines, commending its decades-long contribution to nurturing talent for the Filipino-Chinese community and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. He expressed hope that the visit would deepen ties and open new avenues for academic collaboration.
Executive Vice Chairman Guo Shuyuan reaffirmed the college’s more than 20-year partnership with FNU, expressing hopes for continued leadership in Chinese language education and for expanding cooperation into life sciences and Philippine studies.
Strengthening Ties with Business and Education Federations
At the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), Vice President Ouyang lauded the Federation as a key bridge between China and the Philippines, recognizing its support for education and public welfare. Vice Chairman Hong Jianxiong proposed expanding cooperation in research, education, and industry, including the establishment of overseas internship programs.
The delegation also visited the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Schools, where discussions with Executive Director Ye Qiming centered on expanding teacher training programs, developing Chinese-language master’s courses, and recruiting FNU graduates to teach in Filipino-Chinese schools.
Grand Celebration Marks Confucius Institute Anniversary
A major highlight of the visit was the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute at AUF, which drew over 300 guests. Distinguished speakers included former Philippine President and AUF Chairperson Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, and Philippine Department of Education Deputy Minister Dr. Andaya.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Chinese Embassy, the FFCCCII, the Philippine Department of Education’s Curriculum Development Office, and directors of eleven Confucius Institutes from across Southeast Asia. Leaders from Filipino-Chinese schools, educators, and association heads joined the celebration, which underscored the Confucius Institute’s growing integration into local communities and its enduring contribution to Philippines-China friendship.
Translated by Huang Jie / Reviewed by Yang Li