13 January 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio led the Philippine officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing on December 02, 2014 in welcoming to thechancery the participants to the Xavier China Experience (XCE) Beijing, an annual program of Xavier School in Manila. The study tour is aimed at allowing Xavier students to gain exposure to public and private institutions, including schools and think tanks, as well as immersion activities with various sectors of Chinese society, including media, the youth and the elderly.
Eighty-one (81) Xavier students accompanied by nine teachers spent six weeks in Beijing, with a tour of Shanghai, in coordination with and under the supervision of the XCE Beijing’s partner institution, the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College.
During their visit, Embassy officers gave them a briefing on Philippines-China relations and the work of the Team Philippines in China, and shared with the students their views and insights on many issues. During the animated open forum and interaction, the students raised questions and concerns on varied issues such as the conditions of Filipinos residing in China, Filipino investors in China and Chinese investments in the Philippines; and the phenomenon of “brain drain” and its effect on Philippine society.
A highlight of the visit was the students’ presentation of their final project during their stay in Beijing – the “Global Pinoy’s Guide to Beijing,” a handbook containing useful information for Filipinos visiting or residing in the Chinese capital such as a map of Beijing and how to navigate the city’s transport system, climate conditions, cultural differences between Filipinos and Chinese and some useful Mandarin phrases.
In Ambassador Basilio’s remarks to the students, she highlighted the kindred feelings that Filipinos have for the Chinese people. The Ambassador expressed the hope that their study tour in Beijing in general and their visit to the Embassy in particular helped them understand how Filipino diplomats work very hard to strengthen Philippines-China ties.
On December 10, 2014, Ambassador Basilio attended the closing ceremony of XCE Beijing 2014 at the Fuchengmen campus of the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College (BCLCC). Also in attendance at the closing ceremony were BCLCC officials led by Mr. Feng Zhou, Principal; Mr. Zhengguo Cao, Associate Principal; and Mr. Zhengang Lei, Director of the Culture Department of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council.
In their respective speeches, Xavier School President Fr. Chen Mengli and student representative Cai Dianzhou thanked the BCLCC, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Philippine Embassy for enriching the Beijing experience of the students with their active support and cooperation. END