The University of Namur convened the International Conference on Exchanges Between Filipino and European Union-based Scholars on 7-9 June 2023 at The Arsenal, University of Namur. The Conference is part of the Philippine Studies Program that was funded by a grant from the Philippine government through the initiative of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.
In her message that was read by Philippine Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda during the Conference, Senator Legarda emphasized the importance of studies and scholarly exchanges in the process of legislation, saying that “Without our scholars, we would not be able to draft sound, systematic, and relevant policies that would address the Filipino people’s problems.” She thanked the scholars for being part of the foundation of the Philippine legislative system.
Professor Annick Castiaux, Rector of the University of Namur characterized the conference as a milestone that successfully brings together all the initiatives and collaboration between scientists from the University of Namur and from several Philippine institutions developed over the last four decades. She also raised the importance of supporting future Filipino doctoral students so that they can become involved in research projects and benefit from the expertise of researchers in Belgium and the University of Namur, particularly on issues such as deforestation, natural resource management, agriculture, food security, natural disasters, population migration, and social justice.
Ambassador Ledda expressed his appreciation at the consolidation of these long-standing collaborations. He stressed the importance of raising awareness among researchers of the issues facing the Philippines in order to encourage new research collaborations and promote (inter)academic, economic and political networking.
The University of Namur has been chosen by the Philippine government along with seven other universities worldwide to promote the various facets of Philippine studies in Belgium and Europe. Most of the projects under the Philippine Studies Program focus on issues of importance to the Philippines: access to documentation, climate change, natural disasters, water management, renewable energies, aerospace, migration, and the environment.
Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda reading the message of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda at the International Conference on Exchanges between Filipino and EU-bases Scholars held at the University of Namur on 7-9 June 2023.
Mr. Antoine Laugrand, a PH D student from the Université Catholique de Louvain (seated left) presenting his research on the transfer of knowledge in the Philippines and the value of co-production research with the Ibaloy of Benguet during the forum chaired by Prof. Isabelle Parmentier, Head of of the University of Namur’s History Department (seated right).
Prof. Vincent Hallet of the Geology Department of University of Namur presenting his research on the assessment, use and management of groundwater in the Philippines.
Dr. Maruja Asis (standing left) of the Scalibrini Migration Center in the Philippines presenting on-the-ground realities and prospects of Philippines-Europe cooperation on migration research with Professor Asuncion Fresnoza-Flot (seated right) of the Universite Libre de Bruxelles as Chairperson during this session.
Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda (4th from Left), Mrs. Gina Ledda (6th from left) and Cultural Attaché Liza Jane V. Estalilla (extreme right) with Filipino scholars from Belgium, Austria and Germany, and exchange professors from the University of the Philippines.
