30 July 2014 - One hundred twenty-five (125) Lao and foreign students ages 7 to 13 from Sengdara International Bilingual School (SIBS) visited the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane from July 17 to 18 as part of their ASEAN Embassies Educational Tour-Summer curriculum.

The visiting students were led by their School Director, Ms. Leodia Pagunsan, a Filipino national based in Vientiane.  The objective of the visit is to raise student's awareness on ASEAN in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. 

Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires (CDA) Analyn Ratonel welcomed the students and gave a lecture about the Philippines, its relations with Laos, and ASEAN.  The Philippine Embassy also prepared a Sentro Rizal cultural exhibit and audio video presentation.  Cultural Officer Teresa Polistico guided the students through the cultural exhibit showcasing Philippine national costumes, dances, books and the story of our national hero Jose Rizal.

The students expressed interest in the AEC, Filipinos in Laos and the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Laos. 

On behalf of the group, Director Pagunsan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy officers and staff.  To cap the activity, simple refreshments were prepared by the Embassy for the students and teachers of SIBS.

Sengdara International Bilingual School provides a bilingual curriculum from kindergarten to high school to Lao as well as foreign students.  It has operated for almost 10 years and has adapted an international education based on US curriculum and latest e-learning pedagogy since year 2011. END