Last February, it was SISFU’s distinct pleasure to be a part of De Montfort University’s Global School where the Philippines played host to UK delegates. 

The group of 16 participants were headed by Dr. Kevin Roe, Associate Professor of Leadership at Leicester Castle Business School and Faculty of Business & Law at De Montfort University and Dr. Ed Thompson, Associate Professor at Leicester Castle Business School and Faculty of Business & Law at De Montfort University. The group was composed of students from DMU UK’s business school taking up apprenticeship, business management, and law. 

The week-long event was composed of worthwhile activities covering both business and pleasure. It was kicked off by a Leadership Masterclass for Student Leaders by Dr. Kevin Roe attended by SISFU business students. A meeting was also held between Dr. Roe and the SISFU Academics team represented by Mr. Daniel Steel, Dean of Academics and Mr. Jonathan Borja, College Programme Chair discussing continuing opportunities between DMU and SISFU. 

Students and faculty were also able to meet and socialize with Dr. Ed Thompson during the SISFU campus tour which included a Nursing Education Talk at South Seed LPDH College. The delegates then travelled south of Metro Manila to visit DLSU-Dasmariñas. After the tour of the grounds and hospital facilities, a talk was held to share the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute’s history, vision, and role in the Philippine healthcare industry along with an overview of the program. 

Dr. Kevin Roe also visited another campus south of the metro – Southville Batangas along with Dr Jocelyn P. Tizon, SISFU President and Mr. Jonathan D. Borja, College Programme Chair. This was followed by a fitting tour of the south of Manila featuring the best of culture and heritage featuring charming destinations Charito by Bag of Beans for Lunch, Sinta Restaurant, The Old Grove Farmstead in Lipa, and Cathedral Casa de Segunda.

Dr. Ed Thompson and Dr. Kevin Roe also graciously participated in the International University Fair held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. They were valuable resources during the 2-day event giving career talks about UK education to aspiring international students.

And of course, no trip to the Philippines would be complete without a visit to the famed beaches of the country. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the island of Bohol in the central Visayas region where participants were treated to the unique beauty of the islands through its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and breathtaking landscapes like the Chocolate Hills, a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

The week-long event was a showcase of the lasting partnerships between DMU and SISFU and their joint commitment to strengthen transnational education in the Philippines. We look forward to more vibrant events like this to showcase the best of UK education and Philippine hospitality.