DFA launches book promoting PH Studies programs abroad

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday launched a book that promotes and recognizes Philippine Studies programs worldwide, emphasizing its importance in promoting cultural diplomacy.

The DFA said that the launch aims to introduce the book, titled as “From the Philippines to the World: A Global Catalogue of Philippine Studies Programs Abroad Promoting Academic Excellence and Cultural Diplomacy” as “an academic resource to the global academic and diplomatic community.”

DFA Secretary Eduardo Manalo underscored the vital role of the Philippine Studies programs in bridging cultural gaps and shining a light on “intellectual and cultural connections” especially at times when political polarization affects the world.

“In a world increasingly challenged by cultural homogenization and political polarization, initiatives like this offer a profound alternative: the power of education, the power of legitimacy, lived experiences and the universality of human connection” Manalo said in his speech.

READ: PH gov’t grant supports Philippine Studies at UC Berkeley

Manalo added that the book is proof that a nation can stand with its principles in the global stage through narrative and understanding.

Manalo also extended his gratitude to Sen. Loren Legarda for her continued support for the program through funding and maintaining networks to sustain scholars and cultural workers.

Strengthening diplomacy

Legarda emphasized that diplomacy starts in classrooms, libraries, and in acts of curiosity. She added that diplomacy begins for the Philippines when the world speaks about the Filipinos “with nuance, with depth, and with dignity.”

“This is soft power at its most strategic: Scholarly, reciprocal, and deeply human. The Filipino experience, presented on the world stage—on our own terms—sparking new conversations about our heritage in ways that ripple across sectors, from tourism and research partnerships to stronger bilateral and multilateral ties,” Legarda said in her speech.

Legarda also noted that the Philippine Studies program shows how nations can promote their identity while contributing knowledge to the global community.

“This is soft power at its most strategic: scholarly, reciprocal, and deeply human. The Filipino experience standing on the world stage — on our own terms — sparking curiosity about our heritage in ways that ripple across sectors: from tourism and research partnerships to stronger bilateral and multilateral ties,” Legarda added.

The senator also shared that she used to wonder why many countries offer cultural studies abroad except the Philippines. She mentioned that the Philippine Studies program was first established in 2017 as the fruit of all her envisioning for the country to be a place of insight.

The following 24 universities are offering Philippine Studies programs:

• La Trobe University


• ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute


• Busan University of Foreign Studies


• Thammasat University


• University of Applied Arts Vienna


• University of Namur


• Sciences Po


• Hamburg University


• Humboldt University


• Ruhr University Bochum


• Universidade Nova de Lisboa


• University of Alicante


• Universidad Complutense de madrid


• University of Zurich


• School of Oriental and African Studies London


• Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico


• McGill University


• University of Alberta


• York University


• New York University


• University of California Berkeley


• University of California Los Angeles


• University of Hawaii Manoa


• University of Michigan

/cb

(2025/06/26-00:19)