Last Tuesday, October 4, the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) regarding the introduction and implementation of Italian language classes into the curriculum.
In attendance were PIA Executive Director and VP for Operations Tillie Pelagallo, Executive Director and VP for Culture James Freney, Italian Embassy official representative Elisabetta Valentini, University President Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization Dr. Laurene Chua-Garcia, College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Rhoderick V. Nuncio, and International Studies Department Chair Dr. Elaine Tolentino, alongside faculty members, European Studies Association members, and PIA interns.
The signing of this MOU, taking place at the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall building was dubbed a historic event and partnership, with Italian being added to the growing list of languages that DLSU Manila already offers its students, including Japanese, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Bahasa Indonesia. Signing on behalf of DLSU was President Br. Bernard S. Oca and Dr. Rhoderick Nuncio, and on behalf of PIA, Mr. James Freney and Ms. Tillie Pelagallo. This signing followed a similar one conducted at Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite (LPU) conducted last July of 2022.
“You never start from zero,” said PIA representative James Freney, referring to the many linguistic connections between Italian, English and Filipino—and indeed, this agreement only strengthens the pre-existing ties of friendship and culture between Italy and the Philippines, now directly involving the youth who will carry the prosperous relationship forward as time goes on. The teaching of Italian language classes at DLSU Manila is expected to begin in May, in the 3rd trimester of the current academic year, AY 22-23.
