Philippine Ambassador to Australia Minda Calaguian-Cruz last Friday vowed to support student-initiated projects in Victoria that aim to promote the Philippines and strengthen the country’s bilateral ties with Australia.
In an informal gathering organised by the Filipino Australian Student Council (FASTCO) of Victoria, Cruz met with the state’s Filipino student community at the La Trobe University City Campus in Melbourne.
“You are the biggest (group of students in the country) along with New South Wales. In Canberra, there are not as big yet but still, they want to do collaborative and cooperative endeavours with other student organisations,” she said, urging the students to form partnerships with similar groups all over Australia.
Among the projects discussed were FASTCO-initiated programs such as workshops and seminars about studying, working and living in Melbourne.
In an earlier meeting with Filipino academics based in the state, the ambassador said that the embassy is also pushing for institutional linkages between Australian and Philippine universities.
Among the attendees were officials from the Philippine embassy in Australia, Honorary Consul of Victoria Felix Pintado, students from The University of Melbourne, Monash University, Swinburne University, RMIT University, Deakin University and University High School. Representatives from student organisations such as the Filipino Language School, Melbourne University Filipino Students Association and RMIT Filipino Club were also present during the gathering.
