Hainan Normal University in the City of Haikou, Hainan, China is now the new home of the 10 Palaweños who were granted full scholarship by the Provincial Government of Hainan, China and whose scholarships were made possible by the Provincial Government of Palawan.
The ten scholars, on the first Monday of September, formally started their studies. The first subject the ten scholars have to attend is the Chinese language which will last for one year. The scholars were given books and other materials as part of their Chinese subject curriculum.
Gabriel Obrique, one of the scholars from the Municipality of San Vicente said, “I was surprised that there are so many foreign students here. There are different nationalities mostly from Asia – Laos, Indonesia, Pakistan, and there are some Caucasians, as well. It inspires me to study more and be proud that I am from Palawan, Philippines.”
According to Dave Servanez, another scholar from the Municipality of Brooke’s Point said, “We, Filipinos, having a hospitable nature allows us to get along well with other nationalities. We already have friends and so far we are doing okay here.”
When asked on how they communicate with their relatives in Palawan, Kate Adrianne Sy, another scholar from the Municipality of Narra said “Wechat is life”. Wechat is an application similar to that of messenger and Facebook however developed and widely used in China.
Prior to the ten scholars going to China, Vice Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates and Board Member Marivic Roxas met the ten scholars with their parents and guardians. In the gathering, the Chairman for the Hainan Scholarship of the Province of Palawan, Ma. Teresa A. Acda, presented an 80-page compendium containing information on the scholars and their journey to the scholarship. A video prepared by the Province was also shown to the parents. The Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez also provided pocket money for the ten scholars.
With the overflowing concern and love of the parents to the scholars, the gathering has become emotional. Vice Governor Socrates and BM Roxas assured the parents that the Province will have constant communication with the Government of Hainan to ensure the wellbeing of the ten scholars. To further assure the parents of the safety of the scholars, Vice Governor Socrates and the Chief of Staff of the Province Ceasar Sammy A. Magbanua accompanied the scholars to Hainan, China.
Upon arrival in Hainan, China, the scholars with the Officials from Palawan were met by the Officials from the Hainan Normal University. Immediately, the scholars were given dorm accommodation where they will be staying for the entire duration of their studies in China.
The formal endorsement of the ten scholars to the Government of Hainan happened on the 30th of August 2018 where a ceremony was prepared by the Hainan Provincial Government.
The event was attended by Vice Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Section of Hainan Provincial Education Department Mr. Huang Lianping; Vice Head of Hainan Provincial Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office Mr. Kang Baiying; Director of Sisterhood City Department of Hainan Provincial Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office Mr. Han Jinglei; Director for the Academic Affairs Office of Hainan Normal University Mr. Liang Guang; Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Department from HNU, Geng Juan; the Secretary of Party Committee of International Education School from HNU, Chen Yundi; and Dean of School of International Education Mr. Chen Jiang. During the endorsement, Vice Governor Socrates expressed the Province appreciation to the scholarship provided by Hainan Province and iterating that this is but a beginning as 40 more Palaweños will be able to avail of the scholarship in the following years. Mr. Han Jinglei of Hainan also expressed their desire to forge a sisterhood agreement with the City of Puerto Princesa.
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