27 September 2022, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega signed a Deed of Donation from the Philippine Government with the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) represented by Acting President Dr. Kyoo-Jae Shin on 20 September 2022 in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The grant for the BUFS will go towards enhancing the Philippine Studies program of the university particularly through courses on Philippine history, society, culture, and language. This will likewise support academic research on the Filipinos as well as outreach programs for Koreans, Filipino-Koreans, and other international students.

The program was made possible through the initiative of Philippine Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda who conceptualized and supported the realization of an "Advancing Philippine Studies Program" in various renowned academic institutions in different parts of the world. In her special video message during the signing ceremony, Senate President Pro Tempore Legarda emphasize the critical role of academic exchanges in fostering a deeper understanding of the Philippines and its relationship with other countries.

In her remarks, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega is hopeful that the program will "bring about renewed engagement on Philippine studies for academics, students, and researchers."

For his part, Acting President Dr. Shin welcome the grant stating that this will surely enhance the close relations between the Philippines and Korea.

Other Busan University of Foreign Studies officials, Dr. Kwang-woo Park, Dr. Dongyeob Kim, and members of the Korean Institute for ASEAN Studies as well as the Embassy's Cultural Officer Anthony Cornista were present at the signing.

BUFS now joins the ranks of other prestigious universities in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Americas all supporting the Philippine Studies program. END