Korean university opens door to 13 Pinoy scholars

A Roman Catholic university in Korea has accepted 13 Filipino postgraduate students for its academic year beginning this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The DFA said the scholarship grant coincided with the opening of the international hub of the university, a 16-story building with a global lounge designated as an English-only speaking zone. It said the Philippine Embassy and the Apostolic Nunciature, facilitated the offer of Catholic University of Korea administrators beginning in May 2009. “Recruitment of the Filipino scholars by university officials began in June 2009 in Manila," the DFA said on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph). Post-graduate courses being offered to the Filipino scholars by the university include International Relations, Business Management and Information Technology. Recruitment of additional scholars for the next semester will commence soon, to complete the 50 slots being offered by the university. Meanwhile, two Korean students received the Medal for Academic Merit from the Philippine Embassy last September 24, after besting hundreds of other middle and high school students in an essay competition focusing on Philippines-Korea relations. Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis Cruz conferred the medals on Park Jeong-Hoon and Kang Min-Jee, whose essays tackled discrimination, culture, history, trade and investments. “We have to first throw out the prejudice we have," wrote Park, who discussed the need to change mindsets and attitudes towards migrant workers and foreign spouses in intercultural marriages. Park also argued for increased investment in the Philippines, citing green industries as an example. For her part, Kang underscored the role of culture in fostering mutual understanding. “From its food to its traditional dance, the Philippines has numerous cultural resources," she wrote, adding that increasing cultural interaction between the two countries is key to a better relationship. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Korea. The Philippines was the fifth country to extend recognition to South Korea on March 3, 1949. It also sent troops during the Korean War. - GMANews.TV Both students took part in the Diplomatic International Forum of Seoul hosted by the Kyunghyang Daily News in August 2009. Supporting the Forum were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. - GMANews.TV