27 June 2014 - As the Philippine Embassy in Wellington continues to promote closer people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the Philippines and New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez graced the First Commencement Ceremony of the International Academy of New Zealand (IANZ) last May 03 at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.
Also present were Philippine Honorary Consul General in Auckland Paulo Garcia, Atty. Gene Bagsic and education consultant Dr. Cecile F. Aquino. One hundred thirty two (132) graduating students from the Philippines, India and other countries marched proudly as they received their National Diploma in business, healthcare and computing reached another milestone in their educational journey.
IANZ is the first school owned and operated by Filipinos, Exzur and Zarah Peralta, that offers a variety of courses and career opportunities, equipped with modern teaching tools, learning and social facilities and provides a caring and multicultural environment for its students from around the world. It is one of the private institutions in Auckland accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and is a signatory to the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students.
In her speech, Ambassador Benavidez observed that in conformity with New Zealand’s high standard of teaching and world renowned quality of education and IANZ’s tagline of “Emerging World, Innovative Education,” the International Academy of New Zealand prepares its students from different multicultural backgrounds in an international environment and immersed in proactive approaches and broad-based and future-focused learnings that enable them to get the proper and comprehensive education, training, support, exposure and specialized understanding of their respective fields of study.
She exhorted the graduates “to find your passion, your mission, your vision (your kaupapa) and, in your own fields and in your own ways, help change the world. Keep your mind open to learning with your fellowmen, and to working with them for a better company, a better country, an even better world and a much better tomorrow.”
Words of gratitude were given to parents, guardians, family members, loved ones and friends who stood by the graduates through thick and thin and invested time and resources so they can get a meaningful and well-rounded education at IANZ. A hearty round of applause was given to IANZ’s directors, management, administrators, faculty, staff who are inspiring, dedicated and approachable and the service staff who have all been a big part of the graduates’ lives.
The IANZ Graduation Ceremony featured the Processional by the Graduates, Academic Staff and Local Advisory Committee, Welcome Remarks and Introduction by Dr. August Salonga, Reflections on Graduate Education by Jonah Paslaban, Opportunities and Challenges by Rajwinder Singh Mahal, and Khyati Patel, Journey to Success by Derrick Oliver and Jennifer Culanculan, Congratulatory Speech by Daljit Singh, Presentation of Candidates in Business by Dr. August Salonga, IT by Sarabjit Singh and Healthcare by Zarah Peralta, Commencement Speech by Ambassador Benavidez and Conferment of Diplomas and Presentation of Medals and Closing Remarks by Exzur Peralta.
Education is a priority area of cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand given the importance of fostering human resources development and building bridges of friendship, goodwill and understanding among Filipinos, New Zealanders and the wider communities. END