Senator Loren B. Legarda has expressed her Message of Support to Isabela State University (ISU) in line with the signing of a donation agreement to establish the Philippine Studies program with the University of Zurich (UZH) last December 10, 2024.
The Philippine Studies Program that will be offered at the University of Zurich is an offshoot to the joint academic ventures pursued by Isabela State University in partnership with the Philippine Normal University (PNU) which has been endorsed and extensively supported by the Philippine Embassy at Bern, Switzerland.
In her message, Senator Legarda extended her heartfelt gratitude to the institutions whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing the Philippine Studies Program at UZH, which included ISU and the PNU – North Luzon as one of its partners.
The senator also emphasized that the Philippine Studies Program reflected years of efforts to bring Filipino culture and heritage to an international forum.
Early June of 2024, ISU President Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino met with His Excellency Bernard Dy, the Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and had an audience with the academic community of the UZH. The parties sat to discuss the academic and research ventures focusing on the indigenous peoples of Isabela.
The cross-border linkages also witnessed the signing of partnership agreement among ISU, PNU, and UZH and the launching of Agta Book, an academic initiative by the UZH to compile and preserve the cultural heritages of the Agta People of the Northern Philippines.
For the senator, it was fulfilling to witness the realization of these academic milestones which started from 2016 and have expanded years later.
Her message went on to commend the initiatives that promote academic development and cross-cultural understanding which she finds most intriguing.
These included programs such as: International Exchange Program, which supports curriculum development and research on Indigenous Peoples and offers graduate students opportunities for immersive study and collaboration, and the Agta Book Project, which stands out as a meaningful way to preserve and celebrate the narratives of the Agta people.
The program also extended to the reforestation of Sierra Madre which demonstrates how partnerships can address pressing environmental challenges while empowering indigenous communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
“It is inspiring to see the values we uphold as Filipinos – our respect for heritage, our care for the environment, and our commitment to education – take on an international dimension through this partnership. I commend the University of Zurich, Isabela State University, Philippine Normal University-North Luzon, and everyone involved for their dedication and hard work,” Senator Legarda expressed.
The senator’s message was received by H.E. Bernard Faustino M. Dy (Ambassador, Philippines to Switzerland) forwarded to Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President).