Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and Rector Annick Castiaux of the University of Namur signed the Deed of Donation for the Philippine Studies Program on 7 November 2024 at the Rector’s Office.
Philippines-Belgium cultural and academic relations marked another milestone yesterday with the signing of a Deed of Donation granting Philippine government funding for the implementation of a Philippine Studies Program (PSP) at the University of Namur, a prestigious Belgian institution of higher learning situated in the capital of the Francophone Walloon Region.
The implementation of the PSP at the University of Namur is part of the wider global initiative spearheaded by Senator Loren Legarda, who envisions to promote a deeper understanding of the Philippines among both Filipino and foreign students in prestigious international universities.
Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Jaime Victor B. Ledda, accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Mr. Enrik Fort E. Revillas and Cultural Attaché Ms. Virginia T. Abad, concluded the agreement with University Rector Prof. Annick Castiaux, in the presence of other university officials from the institution’s International Affairs, History, and Geography departments.
In her message read by Ambassador Ledda, Senator Legarda stated that “by integrating our (Philippine) unique heritage into academic discourse, we not only celebrate our identity but also invite others to appreciate the richness of our culture. It is through such scholarly endeavors that we bridge gaps and build lasting connections”.
In particular, the PSP funding will be used to support scholarly research and events at the University highlighting Philippines-Belgium connections in the 19th and early 20th century - a timely endeavor in the build-up to the celebration of the 135th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s sojourn in Belgium in 2025, and the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Belgium diplomatic relations in 2026.
The PSP will also include support for Filipino scholars and visiting academics, as well as for strengthening and expanding cooperation between the University of Namur and Philippine academic institutions.
Prof. Castiaux and her team thanked the Office of Senator Legarda for the generous contribution and resolved to continue exploring other opportunities for partnership with the Philippines through the Embassy in Brussels, including in the fields of children’s rights law and space cooperation, among others.
Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and Rector Annick Castiaux of the University of Namur signed the Deed of Donation for the Philippine Studies Program on 7 November 2024 at the Rector’s Office.
Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda delivers a message on behalf of the Honorable Senator Loren Legarda, who has been the champion of the Philippine Studies Program in academic institutions around the world.
(From left to right) Cultural Attaché Virginia T. Abad, First Secretary and Consul Mr. Enrik Fort E. Revillas, Ambassador Jaime Victor B. Ledda, Philippine Embassy, Belgium Brussels, Dr. Sebastien Dujardin, Rector Annick Castiaux and Prof.Sabine Henry
