PH Embassy in Brussels Turns Over Php 5 Million Deed of Donation for the Implementation of the PH Studies Program at the University of Namur in Belgium
Philippine Embassy in Brussels Charge d’ Affaires Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza presents the Deed of Donation for the implementation of the Philippine Studies Program in the University of Namur and two Philippine coffee table books to Prof. Annick Castiaux, Rector of the University of Namur (seated far right), and Prof, Isabella Fontana, Director of the University’s International Relations Department during their meeting at the University on 18 January 2023. (Brussels PE photo)
BRUSSELS 25 January 2023 – Philippine Embassy in Brussels Charge d’ Affaires Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza and Cultural Officer Ms. Liza Jane V. Estalilla met with Prof. Annick Castiaux, Rector of the University of Namur, and Prof. Isabella Fontana, Director of the University’s International Relations Office, on 18 January 2023 to formally turn over the duly notarized Deed of Donation amounting Php5,000,000.00 from the Philippine Government to the University of Namur for the implementation of the Philippine Studies Program in the University starting 30 June 2023.
The University of Namur divided the Philippine Studies Program into the following four (4) major projects, namely: 1) Lectures/Seminars and international conferences; 2) Enhancement of the University’s Filipiniana collection; 3) Research and Publication on Philippine history, culture, politics, society, Filipino-Belgian relations, Filipinos in Belgium, and Belgians in the Philippines; 4. Awards for the best Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Arts (MA) and/or PhD theses on the Philippines, one (1) long term and four (4) short term Study Grants for PhD/post-doctoral/researchers and students from the Philippines at the University of Namur.
Since 2000, University of Namur has been engaged in collaborative projects with the Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Central Mindanao University, Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan, and the University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod. These projects focused on research in environmental sustainability, land, water, and coastal area management, community integration, and knowledge in the government’s socio-economic and environmental planning with exchange programs for teaching and research staff, MA, and PhD students.
During the meeting, Prof. Castiaux gave an overview of the University of Namur and its eleven (11) inter-disciplinary institutes. She also proposed the conduct of a familiarization tour by Embassy officials of the University’s library which contains ancient manuscripts from University’s Jesuits founders and other research and teaching facilities.
In response, Consul General Mendoza expressed thanks for the warm welcome and turned over two (2) coffee table books on the Philippines as additional resources for the University’s Filipiniana collection. The Consul General and Ms. Estalilla, likewise, informed the University team of the wealth of opportunities and collaborative projects that the Embassy and the University could look into under the Philippine Studies Program.
The University of Namur is located in the center of the lively and multicultural city of Namur, the capital city of the Wallonia Region of Belgium. The city is known for its 17th century citadel built by the famous military architect Vauban. END
From left: Prof. Isabella Fontan, Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza, Prof. Annick Castiaux, and Cultural Officer Liza Jane V. Estalilla during their meeting on the Philippine Studies Program on 19 January 2023 at the Rector\s Office, University of Namur, Belgium. (Brussels PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.brusselspe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinBelgium/, https://twitter.com/PHinBelgium or https://www.instagram.com/phinbelgium/.