By Janela A. Ponce
| Syahputra and Asral entertain the audience with their dance number.
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Mr. Derly Syahputra of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan and Mr. Dennis Asral of Universitas Negeri Surabaya were formally welcomed at CAPSU Mambusao in a welcome ceremony called” Pag-Abi-Abi," January 28.
Syahputra and Asral are participants of the SEA Teacher Project, also known as the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia, which is an initiative of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) that began in 2015.
Its primary goal is to enhance the quality of education in the region by providing opportunities for pre-service student teachers from Southeast Asian universities to gain international teaching experience.
The Bachelor of Arts in English Language Department served as the host for the welcome program, organized under the leadership of Dr. Maria Aurora G. Victoriano, the Program Chair Coordinator, and Dr. Lida L. Corcino, the Chairperson for External Affairs and Linkages.
The program began with a welcome dance to the tunes of "Inilusan," "Maragtas," and "Capiznon," performed by the Kalingawan Performing Arts Group (KalPAG).
This performance set the gymnasium for the grand entrance of Syahputra and Asral, accompanied by the faculty and staff.
To begin the program, the Lupang Hinirang and Indonesia Raya were played on air to pay tribute to the Philippines and Indonesia.
The ASEAN Hymn was also played, symbolizing connectivity and friendship between the two countries.
Dr. Maria Aurora G. Victoriano, BAEL program coordinator, conveyed her pride and happiness as she warmly welcomed the exchange students in her opening remarks.
“It is with a great joy and pride that we are truly delighted to welcome our friends and our brothers from Indonesia. Today we open our hearts to our exchange participants from Indonesia who have embarked on this wonderful journey to share knowledge, culture, and camaraderie with us, here at CAPSU we believe in the power of collaboration, learning and exchange,” Dr. Victoriano said.
Dr. Victoriano expressed her hope that the coming of the students to CAPSU would build strong relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia.
“We hope that… we bridge understanding and cooperation not only in education but also foster friendship between the two nations. May this program mark the beginning of an enriching and meaningful exchange to all of us as we move towards our goal, the internationalization. Terima kasih and thank you very much,” Dr. Victoriano concluded.
To entertain the visitors and the audience, KalPAG then Mambusao's folk dance, the Inilusan, showcasing the town's rich culture and diversity.
In his inspirational message, Dr. Ramy Lloyd L. Lotilla, satellite college director, welcomed the guests and wished them a memorable and fruitful visit. He also highlighted the purpose of the exchange program and the opportunity it provides to students.
Furthermore, he honored the two students from CAPSU Mambusao Satellite College who also participated in this project: Kin F. Sabala, the editor-in-Chief of The Courier, deployed in Thailand; and Charlene L. Arendaying, the SSC President, to render her internship in Indonesia.
Prof. Lida L. Corcino, external affairs and linkages chairperson, conveyed her gratitude to the BAEL department and the program coordinators from various departments for their support and contributions.
She then formally introduced Dennis Rahmatullah Asral, an English major in Literature from Universitas Negeri Surabaya; and Derly Syahputra, an English major student from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan.
Arvie Joy Solano, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) student, performed an Indonesian song for the guests, followed by Yeshua Regan Pascua, also a BAEL student, who, along with the KalPAG members, serenaded them.
The CAPSUnians then presented gifts to the gentlemen as a gesture of warm reception on their arrival at the campus. The atmosphere turned even more lively as the two guests joined the teachers on stage for a dance, bringing joy to the crowd.
The two guests were also given a chance to address the audience. Syahputra spoke first, expressing his heartfelt appreciation.
“Thank you for the opportunity, to be honest I’m shy because it’s my first time here in the Philippines,” he said.
He also conveyed his sincere gratitude to Prof. Corcino, Dr. Victoriano, and Dr. Julie V. Dalida, for their guidance; as well as to the students who assisted them.
Asral also shared how thankful he was for the warm reception they received.
“Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I would like to say thank you to all the professors but I cannot memorize all your names, but I say Salamat po from the deepest part of my heart,” he expressed.
He also conveyed his thanks to Prof. Corcino and Dr. Victoriano, who have served as his second parents here in the Philippines.
In the middle of the program, guests from Universitas Negeri Surabaya in Indonesia arrived, accompanied by Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Vice-President for External Affairs and Linkages.
To warmly welcome them, Dr. Ima Widiyanah and Sherrin Nurita Widya, were serenaded and presented with gifts.
Selected BAEL students showcased their talents by performing an Indonesian dance.
Syahputra and Asral also shared their talents by performing a dance to an Indonesian song, showcasing their culture, with the faculty, staff, and students joining them.
Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo, Student Affairs and Services chairperson, in her closing remarks expressed her optimism for the coming of more exchange students from neighboring countries.
“As we embrace the spirit of brotherhood among nations, it will further make us open to possibility of having more exchange students in this university in the future.”
She also extended her sincere gratitude to CAPSU Mambusao partner school, the Mambusao East National High School, particularly their principal, Mrs. Estela Fano and the teaching staff.
She likewise thanked Dr. Legaspi, Dr. Corcino, and everyone who contributed to making the program a success.
After the program, Syahputra and Asral had photo opportunities with the faculty, staff, and students.