By Chessa Pae Faustino, STRATCOM Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University Language Center (LC) held its annual post-Chinese New Year celebration on February 6 at the Chinese Learning Center, Center of Flexible Learning, through special workshops on language and culture of China. 

The celebration was attended by university students taking Mandarin as a Foreign Language classes, including those from the English language and tourism programs, as well as Chinese students from the Graduate School.

During the first workshop, Chinese graduate students of MMSU discussed the topic of Communicating in the Chinese Classroom, facilitated by Mr. Mao Wenqi Jakov, President of the MMSU Association of International Students. Additionally, students learn Baduanjin (Exercise Movements) led by Mr. Tian Yan, and the Happy New Year song from Ms. Lu Jiaxi.

    
For the final workshops, a Chinese paper-cutting session was facilitated by Ms. Melody Allado, a Foreign Language Instructor from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Ms. Jessa Anastacio, a Foreign Language Instructor from the College of Teacher Education, also discussed Chinese calligraphy on red couplets.

Aside from the workshop, the celebration featured an exhibit curated by the University Library System. 

Dr. Marlina Lino, speaking on behalf of MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, expressed gratitude to the center for organizing the annual Chinese New Year celebration and recognized its role in strengthening the relations between China and the Philippines. 

She also recognized Mandarin as a valuable tool for professional growth and for deepening cultural ties between the two nations.

Hon. Ren Faqiang, Consul and Head of Post of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag, also attended the event. He emphasized the value of learning from different cultures and shared his experiences in Northern Luzon and MMSU. 

Mr. Faqiang stressed the consulate’s strong friendship and partnership with MMSU and assured continued support, particularly for Chinese language teachers and students.

LC Chief Ryan Roi Domingo reaffirmed the center’s commitment to providing quality language education and strengthening its programs and offerings within the university and beyond.