Philippines and Czech Republic Pave Way for Academic Partnerships and PH Studies Program at Charles University

DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro (R) and Charles University Rector Prof. Králicková (L) stands in front of a portrait of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia, displayed at the Patriots Hall of Charles University.

PRAGUE 17 November 2023 – During her visit to the Czech Republic for the Inaugural Philippines-Czech Republic Political Consultations, Undersecretary for Bilateral relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro met with Prof. MUDr. Milena Králicková, Ph.D., the Rector of Charles University (CUNI). 

Undersecretary Lazaro and Professor Králicková had a friendly and animated discussion on university-to-university linkages and on the possibility of  a Philippine Studies Program at Charles University.  Undersecretary Lazaro mentioned the existing partnership between Charles University and the Ateneo de Manila University and hoped that these connections would be expanded to other Philippine Universities. 

Professor Králicková enthusiastically welcomed the initiative, citing that she would work with the Philippines in her capacity as Rector of Charles University and as President of the Czech Rectors Conference to help connect Philippine universities with other universities in the Czech Republic. 

Professor Králicková also noted with interest the proposal for a  Philippine Studies Program, and cited the possibility of entering into a joint program with Humboldt University in Germany, where there is an existing Philippine Studies Program. Humboldt University is a close partner of Charles University. 

In anticipation of the foreseen increase in Filipino migrant workers in the Czech Republic, both sides also agreed to work on providing  opportunities for Filipinos to  pursue further studies at CUNI, especially Czech language learning. Professor Králicková said that the University was working closely with the Czech Chamber of Commerce for a specialized program for foreign workers.  Charles University would provide the Philippine Embassy in Prague more information on this program for the information of Filipinos in the Czech Republic.

Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in central and south-eastern Europe.  There are thirteen Filipino students pursuing studies in different fields in Charles University , including at the masteral and doctoral levels. END

(L-R) CUNI Rector Prof. Králicková, Ms. Indhira C. Banares, Minister and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Prague, H.E. Eduardo Martin R. Meñez, Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic, DFA Undersecretary MA. Theresa Lazaro (R), Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre of DFA-Office of European Affairs (OEA), and Assistant Director Elaine Laruan-Hernandez of DFA-OEA