SANTA CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) – Hopes are high that the student exchange program between the Philippines and Vietnam will resume after it was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Laguna State Polytechnic University has been accommodating Vietnamese students from the Thai Nguyen University since 2004 as an area of cooperation between the two countries. 

At its peak, at least 25 Vietnamese students were enrolled in 2017 studying various programs, primarily in Bachelor of Science in Education major in English and Engineering, Celeste Marquez, chairperson of the LSPU-Sta. Cruz International and Local Affairs Unit, said.

Marquez said the LSPU is currently working on certifications with the Commission on Higher Education to improve its international student exchange programs.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Hoang Huy Chung visited LSPU-San Pablo Campus last May 18 and met with University President Mario Briones to re-affirm Vietnam’s partnership with the university. The Vietnamese envoy also paid tribute to the bust of revolutionary hero, the late President Ho Chi Minh.

The LSPU-Santa Cruz, Laguna campus has been home to the busts of President Ho and Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal which were both unveiled on May 19, 2010 to commemorate the founding anniversary of Jose Rizal - Ho Chi Minh Educational Cultural International Friendship Society.

The busts serve as a symbol of the two countries' strategic partnership and educational cooperation. Similar monuments were installed in other LSPU satellite campuses in San Pablo and Los Banos. (CH/PIA-Laguna)