Philippine Department of Tourism in Taiwan and Dewey International Forge Educational Partnerships in Tuguegarao, Cagayan
Philippine Department of Tourism in Taiwan Attaché Hazel Javier, alongside Dewey International officials Tim Liao and Sonya Zhang, visited the City of Tuguegarao in the Province of Cagayan on March 26-27, 2024. The purpose of their visit was to explore collaborative opportunities with various Higher Educational Institutions, aiming to foster cultural exchange and educational development between Taiwan and the Philippines.
During their visit, the delegation held discussions with officials and administrators of three educational institutions: St. Paul University Philippines-Tuguegarao, International School of Asia and the Pacific, and Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus. The primary focus of these discussions was to explore the possibility of accepting Taiwanese students for English as Second Language (ESL) programs and cultural immersions within these institutions. Additionally, the delegation had the opportunity to tour the school facilities, including accommodation and dormitories available on campus, to assess their suitability for prospective Taiwanese students.
Accompanying the delegation was Senior Officer Romeo Caranguian Jr, who facilitated meetings with the school officials. They also visited notable landmarks in the region, such as the renowned Callao Caves in Penablanca and The Our Lady of Piat Basilica, to evaluate potential sites for inclusion in the cultural immersion programs.
As a significant outcome of these deliberations, a Memorandum of Understanding between the participating schools and Dewey International is in the works. This memorandum will formalize the partnership between these institutions, paving the way for the integration of Taiwanese students into the educational landscape of the region.
Moreover, Tim Liao, manager and owner of Dewey International, presented the possibility of reciprocating the educational exchange by facilitating opportunities for Filipino students and graduates to undergo immersion and employment in Taiwan.
The Department of Tourism, Region 2, under the leadership of Regional Director Troy Alexander, warmly welcomed the delegation from Dewey International and the Tourism Attaché. The department expressed its full support for the initiative to establish ESL programs in the region, recognizing it as a valuable addition to the Education Tourism portfolio.
This collaborative endeavor underscores the commitment of both Taiwan and the Philippines to foster cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence through educational exchange programs. The partnership between Dewey International and the educational institutions in Tuguegarao marks a significant step towards realizing this vision.#