FSI and Spain’s IE University Explore Potential Collaboration

(L-R) Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies – AI Diplomacy Studies Section Head Lloyd Alexander M. Adducul, First Secretary of the Spanish Embassy in Manila Álvaro García Moreno, Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy Director Evelyn O. Katigbak, Provost of IE University Manuel Muñiz, Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Executive Director for Partnerships at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs Angeles Figueroa-Alcorta, and Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of European Affairs Assistant Director Ronn Joshua C. Bautista

MANILA 31 March 2025 – Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III welcomed Manuel Muñiz, the Provost of IE University on March 14, 2025. Fernandez was joined by Evelyn O. Katigbak (Carlos P. Romulo School of Diplomacy Director), Lloyd Alexander M. Adducul (Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies – AI Diplomacy Studies Section Head), and Ronn Joshua C. Bautista (Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of European Affairs Assistant Director). Representing IE University alongside Muñiz were Angeles Figueroa-Alcorta (Executive Director for Partnerships at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs) and Álvaro García Moreno (First Secretary, Spanish Embassy in Manila).

During their meeting, Muñiz discussed IE University’s growth and its commitment to strengthening academic ties with the Philippines as a means to enhance the bilateral relationship between Spain and the Philippines. He presented the potential for collaboration through scholarship programs. Fernandez responded by sharing FSI initiatives including its role as a Scholarship Secretariat for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the successful joint research project with Peru, and the upcoming 3rd Basic Course of the Law of the Sea Academy in Baguio and La Union. He also expressed FSI’s willingness to facilitate scholarship opportunities and contribute to potential research collaborations with IE University, underscoring the Institution’s dedication to advancing academic and diplomatic engagement.

FSI is the training and research agency attached to the DFA, created under Presidential Decree No. 1060. Its remit was expanded by Republic Act No. 7157.

IE University started as IE Business School in 1973 when it opened its campus in Madrid. Today, it has 6 schools with campuses in Segovia and Madrid and overseas campuses, including in New York City. It offers both undergraduate and post-graduate academic degrees including Master in Business Administration, Master of Laws, and Master in Legal Consultancy. It has 260 collaborations with top schools across 71 countries. END