A group of 25 outstanding students from different schools across Taiwan comprise this year’s Taiwan Youth Ambassadors (TYA) serving as part of the annual International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program organized
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
In a night of songs and dances, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines hosted “2018 Taiwan Night” on September 4, 2018, 6:00 p.m., at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Paredes building. Students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the TYA performed before an audience composed of students, faculty, administrators from UST and esteemed members of the Taiwan community in the Philippines and the members of the TECO
in the Philippines.
The Taiwan Night was the culmination of a one-day visit of the youth
ambassadors that included a courtesy call on UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. It was preceded by a campus tour that was facilitated by the Office of Public Affairs and assisted by students of the Faculty of Arts and Letters under the Asian Studies program.
The visit to UST by the Taiwan Youth Ambassadors was part of the annual International Youth Ambassador Exchange program organized by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Republic of
China (Taiwan).
This program groups young representatives into teams, with each group
traveling to different partner nations to interact with research institutes and engage in volunteer
activities. This year, a total of 75 students out of
over 800 applicants were selected to become
youth ambassadors.
The youth ambassadors were led by the
Director General on Home Assignment of the
Public Diplomacy Coordination Council of the
TECO in Los Angeles Mr. Steve C.C. Hsia. The
Deputy Counselor on Home Assignment of the
Department of General Affairs of the MoFA Mr.
Steven Y.M. Lin serves as deputy leader of the
delegates.
UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V.
Dagohoy, O.P., in his welcome remarks, shared
his pride in the cultural encounter, saying that,
“Tonight’s event is indeed very special because
it is a time to showcase the best of [Taiwan’s
and the Philippines’] cultures. May this occasion
inspire us to continue working together as well
as aspire for higher ideals through significant
cultural engagements.”
“[Developing] connectivity [between
the TYA and students from the schools they
visit] can contribute to the understanding
between two countries, between two
people,” said TECO Representative Mr.
Michael Peiyung Hsu in his message.
He added, “The main purpose of [the
youth exchange program] is to help the
young leaders in Taiwan have a broader
international vision.”
The UST Symphony Orchestra, which
is the only campus-based orchestra that
is part of the resident companies of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines; the
renowned UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe,
which recently celebrated its golden
anniversary; and the two-time Choir of the
World winner UST Singers also treated
the guests with songs and dances that
highlighted the diverse Filipino culture.
Local folk songs, fantasy-interpretations
of popular songs such as “Anak” were
played by the Orchestra, while the UST
Singers performed the Ifugao riceharvest song “Ahibakle,” and “Hibang
sa Awit” composed by Ryan Cayabyab,
among others. The Salinggawi presented
Philippine Dances such as the Bulaklakan,
the Karatong, and Sayaw sa Bangko.
In turn, the Taiwan Youth
Ambassadors showcased their culture
and talents through various performances
with the theme “Taiwan’s Youth, Citizens
The UST College of Nursing joins
the First Nursing Education Fair
organized by the Embassy of the
Republic of the Philippines in Jakarta,
Indonesia held at the Grand Aston City
Hall Hotel, Medan City, North Sumatra,
Indonesia on July 30 and 31, 2018.
The UST College of Nursing was one
of the five participating institutions from
the Philippines and was represented by
Nursing faculty member Asst. Prof. Beryl
P. Battad and UST Office for Admission
Marketing Officer Mr. Steve Michael
M. Moore. During the education fair,
Battad discussed the institution’s profile,
administration and faculty profiles, the
B.S. Nursing program, learning facilities,
and the college’s programs on research,
community extension services and
international relations and programs.
Information on fee schedules, estimates
of living costs for students, statistics of
the performance in the nurse licensure
examination and employment statistics
of the graduates were also discussed.
The two-day fair was attended by
senior high school and undergraduate
students, faculty, and administrators
of various schools of nursing in the city
of the World.” They were able to highlight their traditional
festivals and dances through the Lion Dance and the
Hakka Tea-Picking Dance, traditional and contemporary
entertainment through the Shadowplay, Puppetry and
Diabolo (Chinese Yoyo).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Taiwan
launched its first international exchange program for
the youth in 2009 to promote cultural linkages with its
neighboring countries. Coordinated by the UST Office of
Public Affairs, the 2018 Taiwan Night is the third cultural
experience with the Taiwan Youth Ambassadors hosted
by UST. The first having been in 2016 and the second,
in 2017.
