35 Filipinos earn Australian degrees at De La Salle University

The collaboration continues. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely graced the graduation ceremony of three batches of Filipino graduate scholars who completed the jointly-managed postgraduate program.

Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely led the conferment ceremonies held at the De La Salle campus in Manila.

“The Australian Embassy is pleased to support the partnership between the University of Newcastle and De La Salle University. This initiative breaks through the challenge that many organisations face in allowing key staff and busy officials to be away from work for an extended period. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when Australian and Philippines universities partner together,” said the Ambassador.

This initiative offers opportunities to outstanding Filipino graduate students.

The 35 graduates undertook studies for the Diploma in Industrial Relations at DLSU for a semester followed by a year of study for the Master of Human Resource Management from the University of Newcastle. The first batch of Filipinos who undertook the joint program graduated in 2016.

The jointly-managed postgraduate program was facilitated through the Australian Embassy’s broader efforts to link Australian and Philippine universities and educational institutions. These partnerships provide a tailored educational experience for Filipino and Australian students.

In her keynote address to the graduates, Ambassador Gorely underscored the development impact of higher education in Australia: “Following your study in Australia, at the University of Newcastle and at De La Salle University, you have the power to shape the strategic direction of an organisation. Your work in the public and private sector will ensure your organisations have the right human talent to deliver the projects that will build a better future for the Filipino people.”

Addressing the graduates, Br. Raymund Suplido FSC, PH.D., President, De La Salle University, reminded the scholars that they were now equipped to make a difference. “We are confident that you are graduating from a program that has given you the skills, aptitude and values for yourself as well as for your respective institutions. We are also confident that you leave with lifelong learning attitudes and habits because that is what is much needed today,” he said.

Professor Johanna Macneil, Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning, University of Newcastle, encouraged the graduates to maintain meaningful Australian linkages and leave a mark globally as they officially become alumni of the university: “As you pass from student to graduate to alumnus, you now join a global alumni community of distinguished professionals and leaders living and working in over 120 countries. We embrace our students from the Philippines as amongst the most active and engaged of our alumni.”