In an effort to embark on more cultural and education cooperation and strengthening of people-to-people engagements, Consul General Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena led the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen’s delegation on a meeting with the officials of Huaqiao University (HQU), Jimei, Xiamen campus on 21 April 2022.

The Consulate General’s delegation was warmly welcomed by HQU’s officials led by its Vice President, Mr. Wang Jianhua.

After the exchange of pleasantries. Mr. Wang shared the University’s brief history, programs and historical relations between the Philippines. He also expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ continued participation in its Chinese language program for government officials.

Since 2011, officers from Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have been participating in the Foreign Government Officials’ Chinese Language Program at the Huaqiao University Chinese Language and Culture College in the Jimei, Xiamen campus. The latest batch of officers, due to the pandemic, remain in the Philippines and are taking their classes online.

Consul General Mendoza-Oblena also expressed her appreciation to Mr. Wang and HQU for the warm welcome and underscored the Consulate General’s continued support for and participation in its programs.

Mr. Wang was joined by Mr. Hu Pei’an, and Mr. Pan Xiaxing, Dean and Deputy Dean of Chinese Language and Culture College, respectively, Ms. Han Jiachen, Deputy Director, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Mr. Xie Wei, Deputy Dean, Preparatory Education College and Mr. Zhan Yuxin, Representative, Office of Huaqiao University in the Philippines while Post delegation include Ms. Elaine Mae V. Laruan-Hernandez, Vice Consul, Ms. Faith P. Bautista, Economic and Political Officer, Mr. Reigfred P. Albello, Cultural and Information Officer, Ms. Maria Regina V. de la Fuente, Passport and Consular Officer and Mr. Huang Fubin, Interpreter.

Also present during the meeting were Ms. Shen Yue, Representative of Xiamen Municipal People’s Government Foreign Affairs Office (Xiamen FAO) and four (4) Filipino students – Ms. Czara Marie Ang, Ms. Aeriel Jane Acot, Ms. Christine Joy Estorco and Mr. Kian Artgold Dee - taking up Chinese Language and Culture. 

The meeting with HQU officials was a vital part of the continued cooperation between the Consulate General and the university as well as the Philippines and Xiamen, Fujian – China relations.