PH Ambassador to US Explores University Partnership in California
Left photo: Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (in white barong) and Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz (in blue barong) are welcomed by Wesctfliff University (WU) Chairman of the Board of Directors George J. Gliaudys Jr. (leftmost), and President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Lee (second from left). Right photo: Mr. Lee and Dean of College of Business George Sayegh tour the Ambassador’s delegation around campus. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
IRVINE 08 October 2019 – Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez met with the officials of Westcliff University (WU) on 14 September 2019 in its campus in Irvine, California.
Ambassador Romualdez, who was accompanied by Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, was on an official visit to Southern California and aimed to facilitate exchanges of best practices and education models between the Philippines and the United States of America to further improve the Philippine education system and global competitiveness of Filipino students.
During the meeting, the Ambassador commended the flexible learning platforms of WU that allow students to earn a degree or a course certificate through an online platform or a “hybrid” program, which is, a combination of online and actual classes. Said learning platform enables working adults to pursue their education while earning a living.
This deviation from the traditional university education model has paved the way for WU to cater to prospective students within and beyond the borders of the U.S.A., according to WU Chief Executive Officer and President Anthony Lee.
Currently, WU has existing partnerships with universities in Spain, Vietnam, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. President Lee likewise reported that 20-25 Filipino students are currently enrolled in their two campuses, a few of whom were around to meet the Ambassador.
In this vein, Ambassador Romualdez and President Lee discussed a potential partnership between WU and an educational institution in the Philippines that would include a framework for student and faculty exchange, taking advantage of advances in information technology and communications.
The proposed partnership would highlight the strength of WU and the Philippines as a destination for education services. The Ambassador assured WU that the Consulate General, through Consul General Cruz, will extend appropriate assistance in facilitating coordination between WU and its prospective Philippine partner.
“Philippine and U.S. governments both believe in the importance of studying abroad and therefore encourage exchange of students,” the Ambassador added.
Other members of the Ambassador’s delegation were Minister and Consul Gunther Emil M. Sales of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III, Consul Rea G. Oreta, Information Officer Mary Grace “Joss” D. Leaño, and Protocol Officer Fernan M. Balicoco of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Established in 1993, Westcliff University (WU) presently has two campuses in California, one located in Irvine and one in Cerritos. With more than 3,000 students representing 75 countries, WU’s student population is expected to grow exponentially considering that it will offer in-demand courses soon, such as law, nursing, and cyber security. END
Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (second from left) and Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz (leftmost) in a meeting with Wesctfliff University officials. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
Filipino students and Wesctfliff University officials in a group photo with Ambassador Romualdez (in white barong).
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