On May 14th, the opening ceremony of the First Chinese Language Training Program for Mindanao (Davao City) Government Officials, jointly organized by Huaqiao University and the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University, was successfully held. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte addressed the event through a video message. The event was attended by Chinese Consul General in Davao Li Lin, Huaqiao University Vice President Wang Lixia, as well as representatives from Huaqiao University and the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University. The ceremony was hosted by Tu Wei, Director of the Chinese Language Education Division at Huaqiao University.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, on behalf of the Davao City Government, expressed gratitude to Huaqiao University and the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University. She encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of the societies and cultures of both countries, foster bilateral relations, and strengthen people-to-people connections. She urged the trainees to seize this valuable opportunity, work diligently to enhance their skills, and advance their professional development.

Chinese Consul General Li Lin highly commended the efforts of Huaqiao University and the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University in strengthening China-Philippines relations and fostering friendly exchanges between the two peoples. He stated that the Chinese language training program for government officials would further deepen exchanges in culture, philosophy, and professional experiences between China and the Philippines.

Wang Lixia, Vice President of Huaqiao University, stated that the university has a long-standing history of exchanges with various sectors in the Philippines. She noted that the first Chinese language training program for government officials in Mindanao (Davao City) not only continues this special bond but also provides a new opportunity to deepen mutual understanding, promote mutual learning, and advance shared development. She emphasized that Huaqiao University will fully leverage its strengths to provide high-quality teaching support. She also invited the Filipino representatives and participants to visit Huaqiao University after the pandemic to experience the fruitful results of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

In addition, Ms. Dong Wanmei, an official from the provincial government of Davao de Oro, shared her interesting experiences of participating in the Chinese language training program during the event. Zhang Shenglin, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University, explained the program’s curriculum and teaching requirements to the participants.

This Chinese language training program has 21 participants from 8 government departments, including the Mayor's Office, City Administration Office, Tourism Bureau, Human Resources Management Office, and Public Safety and Security Command Center. The Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Davao University will provide a three-month basic language training course, conducted online by Chinese language instructors from Huaqiao University.