By Niña Christelle M. Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

To enhance Chinese language education and cultural understanding in the university, seven faculty members of Mariano Marcos State University participated in the Silk Road Chinese Education Seminar and Training Program hosted by Minnan Normal University in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China on September 12 to 19.

The group was composed of Dr. Neriza Tamayo, Dr. James Ventura, Ms. Riel Anne Acosta, Mr. Marlon Mamala, Mr. Charbel Galera Ms. Jessa Anastacio, and Ms.Melody Allado. They joined other participating Chinese school administrators, Chinese language educators, and culture and arts educators from across the world. 

The program offered a comprehensive discussion on curriculum and culture, focusing on Chinese school administration, Chinese language teaching, literature, culture, and arts. Particularly, discussions were focused on the opportunities and challenges being faced by overseas Chinese schools. 

In addition, the training also shared about gthe Minnan dialect and traditional opera, the Hakka culture as a world intangible cultural heritage, Southern Fujian's cultural history, Zhangzhou puppetry, and Guqin culture.

In his speech during the closing ceremony, Galera expressed gratitude for the learning experience, and committed to contribute in improving Chinese language education in the Philippines. 

The "Silk Road Chinese Education" Seminar and Training Program was in collaboration with the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Zhangzhou Municipal People's Government. It is an initiative for cultural interaction and educational advancement between China and the Philippines. (HLY,JVBT, StratCom)