Philippine Studies Program Launched at University of Alicante, Spain
(L-R) Dr. José María Ferri, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Dr. Juan Llopis Taverner, Director of Institutional Relations and Projects, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, Dr. Isaac Donoso, Coordinator of the Philippine Studies Program, during the signing of the establishment of the Philippine Studies Program at the University of Alicante
BARCELONA 26 November 2024 — The Philippine Studies Program (PSP) at the University of Alicante was formally launched on 21 November 2024, marking a significant milestone in strengthening academic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain. The ceremonial signing of the donation agreement between the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and the University of Alicante was held at the university's museum, coinciding with the conclusion of the "Hijos del Sur" exhibition, which featured Philippine textiles and photography by artist María Mari Murga. The PSP at the University of Alicante is the first of its kind under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, which covers Catalonia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, Valencian Community and Principality of Andorra (consular jurisdiction), and was made possible through the generous patronage of Senator Loren Legarda via the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The PSP is envisioned to offer a customized degree program and will be one of the few academic offerings in Western Europe dedicated to Philippine studies. It aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the Philippines, one that considers its rich historical connections with Spain while offering Spanish students a deeper perspective on the Philippines of today. By engaging with Filipino culture, history, and its shared Hispanic heritage, the program seeks to build bridges that connect the past with contemporary realities.
In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro underscored the collaborative efforts that led to this achievement. She highlighted the earlier donation of over 100 books to the university library, which now houses a dedicated Philippine section. The Consul General also praised the pivotal contributions of Professor Dr. Isaac Donoso, PSP coordinator, for his leadership and advocacy, as well as the unwavering support of Senator Loren Legarda, whose funding efforts were instrumental in bringing the program to fruition.
A video message from Senator Loren Legarda was played during the event. The Senator emphasized the importance of revitalizing the historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain, expressing her strong support for initiatives like the PSP that foster academic and cultural connections.
Dr. José María Ferri, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, highlighted the university’s mission to build cultural bridges and addressed the longstanding academic neglect of Philippine studies in Western institutions. He underscored the PSP’s potential to fill this gap while enriching the university’s multicultural academic environment.
Dr. Juan Llopis Taverner, Director of Institutional Relations and Projects, shared details of other collaborations between the University of Alicante and the Philippines, including the ANTENA and PATHWAY projects, which are focused on university internationalization and entrepreneurship, respectively.
Professor Dr. Donoso expressed his confidence in the program’s future, envisioning its growth with the support of the Consulate General, Senator Legarda, and other stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of starting with modest initiatives and gradually expanding the program as interest grows.
The event concluded with acknowledgements to artist María Mari Murga for her contributions to the welcoming environment, as well as to her mother, Carmen Murga, for providing the exquisite indigenous textiles on display. These elements reflected the vibrant cultural heritage that the PSP aims to promote and preserve.
The Philippine Studies Program is poised to become a platform for broader academic and cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Spain, fostering global engagement with Filipino culture, history, and its evolving identity in the modern world. END
A video message from the key advocate for the establishment of the PSP, Senator Loren Legarda, was played during the signing.
The PSP is the first of its kind in the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.