On 02-08 July 2023, the “Chinese Bridge” Philippine Educators Delegation, organized by the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University (CI-ADDU), visited Huaqiao University, Xiamen City, People’s Republic of China, for a study tour. The delegates came from ADDU and its partner schools through Confucius Institute, the Davao Oriental State University, Joji Ilagan International School, and a representative from the Davao City Hall. Dr. Lin Hongyu, Vice President of Huaqiao University, met with the delegation at the Tan Kah-Kee Memorial Hall, and the heads of the International Chinese Education Office, the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, and relevant units of the Academy of Fine Arts attended the meeting.
On behalf of Huaqiao University, Dr. Lin Hongyu welcomed the delegation, introduced the cooperation achievements of Huaqiao University in language, culture, and international exchanges, and recounted the history of exchanges between Huaqiao University and the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. He looks forward to working with Philippine universities in more areas in the future.
Dr. Jenner Y. Chan, Dean of the School of Business and Governance and Vice Chair of the Board of CI-ADDU, shared that the establishment of the CI is inseparable from the joint efforts of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Huaqiao University and ADDU. It is hoped that our CI will create opportunities for more Filipino students to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture in the new academic year and in continuing activities and engagements.
Atty. Janis Louis Esparcia, Asst. City Administrator of Davao City, also one of the recipients of the Chinese Language and Culture Training Program of CI-AdDU intimated that, on behalf of Davao City Hall and City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, she expressed her gratitude to Huaqiao University and CI-AdDU, and hoped that our CI would benefit more Dabawenyos.
During the meeting, representatives of Davao Oriental State University and Joji Ilagan International School also put forward their cooperation intentions on matters such as exchange students and academic exchanges in advantageous disciplines between the two universities through CI-AdDU.
The Philippine Educators delegation visited the campuses of Huaqiao University in Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Longzhouchi. They explored the University History Museum and the Siduan Cultural Relics Museum respectively, and also visited the Quanzhou Maritime Museum and Jimei Humanities Museum. They listened to lectures on Chinese culture, experienced dragon boat racing, and conducted teaching observations and discussions.
Article and Photos by the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University (CI-ADDU)
