The Chinese Embassy in Manila has feted the recipients of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) to an early Christmas gathering, both online and onsite.
In his welcoming address, Ambassador Huang Xilian congratulated the scholars for their excellent performance and achievements as well as expressed his appreciation to the faculty for their unyielding efforts and support.
Held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, the special Yuletide season event was attended by more than 40 faculty members and students from both universities led by UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo and PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga.
Ambassador Huang noted that China and the Philippines are both long-time friends and neighbors, partners and relatives, and a big number of Filipinos have Chinese blood in their veins.
The event coincided with this year's 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines which have entered into the “New Golden Age” under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte.
"This year, our two countries have been fighting the pandemic hand-in-hand, which is another vivid illustration of the brotherly friendship between the two countries. Looking ahead, China-Philippines relations enjoy a bright future and broad prospects.” Huang added.
The Chinese diplomat expressed hope that the scholars would grow as ambassadors for closer exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries.
During the interaction, Dr. Nemenzo said he hopes the UP will help in mutually constructing win-win relationships between Manila and Beijing even as he expressed his gratitude for the scholarships given to the students that helps create a new generation of leaders.
Dr. Tuga, for his part, said the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship is one of the few scholarships that gather its recipients regularly every year.
“This only shows how committed they are to linking with their scholars beyond the walls of our Universities. The scholarship provided by the Embassy will not only impact individuals but also schools and learners that every PNU graduate will serve in the future,” he said.
Two of the scholars from the two premier schools also delivered their remarks conveying their appreciation of the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship program for deserving Filipino students.
"My heart is overflowing with thanks and I feel so fortunate to have been selected as the recipient of this honor. Your generosity will allow me and my fellow students to pursue our dreams and for that, I cannot thank you enough," said Jerica Malliah Fonacier, a third-year student from UP.
Harold Bumanglag of PNU said aside from the charity mission of the scholarship, "it is implying to us the values of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, that opens an avenue to promote the common good, social responsibility and innovative thinking,"
Launched in September 2014, the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship was aimed to help less privileged students pursue their academic studies. More than 300 students from both universities have so far benefited from the Scholarship.