Filipinos have been known the world over to excel in various fields such as sports, the arts, and entertainment. But what’s equally important to highlight is that they are also making their mark in the field of higher education. Just recently, two Filipino scholars graduated summa cum laude in Europe. Kent Tangcalagan and Katy Macaso both earned their honors with the help of the European Union’s (EU) advocacy for higher education.
Last October 26, the EHEF gathered a total of 1,500 students and members of the local academe looking to start their own journey to excellence got a chance to explore education opportunities in the EU at the European Higher Education Fair or EHEF 2019. The much-anticipated annual education fair, held at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City featured 49 EU universities and higher education institutions from 12 EU member states.
Rafael de Bustamante Tello, First Counsellor of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, led the opening of the event with an inspiring message to Filipino students, (appropriate quote here). He also emphasized that EU is the perfect destination for students, with its solid reputation as a center of excellence, cutting-edge technology, multi-cultural diversity, and innovation. CHED commissioner Aldrin Darilag gave welcoming remarks and encouraged local students to continue upholding the value of seeking excellent higher education.
Aside from the main exhibition, the fair also featured country presentations from educational and cultural groups, giving students a glimpse of how to life and study in the EU.
EHEF 2019 was also a reunion of sorts for EU graduates. Notable EU alumni (roll call here) attended the fair and served as Goodwill Ambassadors. Past and present Erasmus+ scholars were also on hand to promote EU’s premier scholarship programme.
This year, EHEF gets bigger as it adds a second leg at the Lyceum University of the Philippines in General Trias, Cavite on October 28.
The EHEF 2019 is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Groups, and in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and supported by venue partners Shangri-La Plaza, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, and media partners: ANC, Business World Spark Up, Click the City, Philippine Business and News, Primer PH, Radyo Inquirer, Roots and Wings Online, and WhenInManila.com.
