MSU GSC International Relations Department

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧.

From national leaders to trailblazing diplomats, Filipina women continue to shape conversations, influence decisions, and represent the Philippines on the global stage. From the halls of government to international diplomacy, their leadership proves that courage, intellect, and service know no single region, background, or path.

Many of these voices carry the strength and spirit of Mindanao, reminding us that leadership in the Philippines is as diverse as the nation itself.

This International Women’s Month, we honor the courage it takes to lead, to speak, and to serve, especially when the world is watching.

“As one woman rises, she does not rise alone; she carries a generation with her.”

Featuring remarkable Filipina leaders and diplomats:

• Trinidad Legarda – First Woman Ambassador of the Philippines (1958)
• Rosario G. Manalo – Former Philippine Ambassador and pioneer of Philippine diplomacy
• Delia Domingo Albert – First Woman Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
• Atty. Mylene Garcia-Albano – First Woman Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan
• Lourdesita Chan – Philippine Women’s Rights Representative to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children
• Tess (Ma. Theresa Parreño) Lazaro – Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
• Amina Rasul – President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy; advocate for Muslim women’s leadership
• Narcisa Escaler – Former Philippine Ambassador and DFA career diplomat
• Sara Duterte – Vice President of the Philippines
• Samira Gutoc – Moro leader, peace advocate, and former Bangsamoro Transition Authority member
• Irene Santiago – Peace advocate and former Chair of the Mindanao Commission on Women

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The Department of International Relations proudly congratulates Dr. Anderson V. Villa, Chairperson of the Department of International Relations, together with Dr. Joy C. Calva and C**t Ian U. del Castillo, MPA, for the acceptance of their research paper for presentation at the 2026 Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) International Conference.

Their study, “Institutional Capacities and Social Justice: Local Approaches and Initiatives to VAWC in Southern Mindanao, Philippines,” contributes to the conference theme, “Democracy: Navigating the Tensions of Unity and Division,” by examining how local institutions and governance mechanisms address violence against women and children within complex socio-political contexts.

This achievement highlights the scholarly leadership of Dr. Anderson V. Villa and reflects the Department of International Relations’ pride in his continued contributions to academic research and international discourse.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐲, 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!

📍 28–30 April 2026 | Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Philippines

🎓 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 – Applications Now Open! 🌏✨

The New Zealand Embassy – Manila is pleased to announce that applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are officially OPEN.
Funded through the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, this prestigious scholarship supports exceptional individuals to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand, beginning in early 2027.

We are committed to reaching applicants from historically underrepresented communities and provinces across the Philippines. If you have demonstrated sustained service in your community — whether in Indigenous leadership, climate action, grassroots organising, peacebuilding, education, local governance, or inclusive economic development — we encourage you to apply.

Manaaki is not only about academic excellence. It is about developing leaders who remain grounded in their communities.
All scholars are expected to return to the Philippines and render at least two years of service, contributing their skills to strengthen their communities and priority development sectors.

📌 What’s covered?
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Living expenses
✅ Establishment allowance
✅ Medical and travel insurance
✅ Round-trip airfare between the Philippines and New Zealand

📌 Priority sectors for Filipino applicants:

• Climate Resilience, Science, and the Environment
• Economic Resilience and Private Sector Development
• Food Safety and Agriculture
• Governance
• Infrastructure

📋 Unlock global opportunities. Apply now.
🗓 Applications close: 7:00 AM PHT (12:00 PM NZT), 31 March 2026
🔗 For more information visit: nzscholarships.govt.nz/

🎓 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships 2026 – Applications Now Open! 🌏✨

The New Zealand Embassy – Manila is pleased to announce that applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are officially OPEN.

Funded through the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, this prestigious scholarship supports exceptional individuals to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand, beginning in early 2027.

We are committed to reaching applicants from historically underrepresented communities and provinces across the Philippines. If you have demonstrated sustained service in your community — whether in Indigenous leadership, climate action, grassroots organising, peacebuilding, education, local governance, or inclusive economic development — we encourage you to apply.

Manaaki is not only about academic excellence. It is about developing leaders who remain grounded in their communities.

All scholars are expected to return to the Philippines and render at least two years of service, contributing their skills to strengthen their communities and priority development sectors.

📌 What’s covered?
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Living expenses
✅ Establishment allowance
✅ Medical and travel insurance
✅ Round-trip airfare between the Philippines and New Zealand

📌 Priority sectors for Filipino applicants:
• Climate Resilience, Science, and the Environment
• Economic Resilience and Private Sector Development
• Food Safety and Agriculture
• Governance
• Infrastructure

📋 Unlock global opportunities. Apply now.

🗓 Applications close: 7:00 AM PHT (12:00 PM NZT), 31 March 2026

🔗 For more information visit: nzscholarships.govt.nz/

Got someone in mind? Tag a future scholar below. ✈️

Dear PHILAJAMES Members,

This is an invitation for all.

The link for registration is https://forms.gle/P57Vpv54ZZcv7zX49

MARCH 4, 2026 (17:00-18:30 Japan Time or 4-5:30 pm Philippine Time)

Thank you for your participation.

International Relations Department Hosts Fulbright Global UGRAD Information Session

On February 25, 2026, the International Relations Department held an informative session on the Fulbright Global UGRAD Scholarship at the University Library AVR from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The session was led by Mr. Abdul Yusoph Lao Batao, a 2024 Fulbright Global UGRAD alumnus. The program began with a welcome address from Dean Abdul M. Lantong, followed by an introduction of the guest speaker by the Department Secretary.

During the session, Mr. Batao shared his personal experiences and practical tips on applying for the prestigious scholarship, motivating students to pursue international opportunities and broaden their global outlook. This was followed by a dynamic Q&A session, where students engaged with the alumnus, seeking guidance and insights on navigating the application process.

The program concluded with closing remarks from International Relations Department Chairperson Dr. Anderson V. Villa, who emphasized the importance of global programs in the academic and professional development of students.

By highlighting opportunities such as the Fulbright Global UGRAD, the department continues to encourage students to actively pursue international experiences that expand their global perspective, enhance their professional competencies, and prepare them to become future leaders in international relations.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Mr. Batao, who completed his exchange program at University of Central Missouri, is sharing valuable insights, practical tips, and firsthand experiences to guide aspiring applicants in preparing for the Fulbright Global UGRAD Program.

Date: 25 February 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Venue: MSU GSC Library AVR

Dreaming of studying in the U.S.? Let’s talk about it! 🇺🇸

The International Relations Department invites all undergraduate students of MSU–GenSan to the Fulbright Global UGRAD Information Session—your opportunity to explore academic and cultural exchange experiences beyond borders.

Date: 25 February 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: MSU GSC Library AVR

This session will feature 2024 Fulbright Global UGRAD alumnus Mr. Abdul Yusoph Lao Batao, who completed his exchange program at the University of Central Missouri. He will join us virtually (online) to share valuable insights, practical tips, and firsthand experiences to guide aspiring applicants.

Disclaimer: The Fulbright Global UGRAD Program is currently on pause. This session will focus on discussing the application process, eligibility requirements, and preparation strategies for when the program officially reopens.

Your global journey might just start here. See you there! 🌍

𝐃𝐑. 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀, 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍’𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Dr. Anderson V. Villa, Chairperson of the International Relations Department of MSU–General Santos, attended Japan’s National Day Reception held in Davao City on February 19, 2026.

The reception, hosted by Consul General ONO Hirotaka, gathered members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the academe, local government units, business leaders, and Japan-affiliated organizations in the region in celebration of the Emperor of Japan’s birthday.

With the anniversary theme of “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities,” the gathering also commemorated the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and Philippines, as well as the 123rd anniversary of Japanese migration in Mindanao—highlighting more than a century of shared history and enduring partnership.

During the event, Dr. Villa met with fellow scholars and officers of the Philippine Association of Japan/MEXT Scholars (PHILAJAMES), reaffirming shared commitments to academic excellence, exchange initiatives, and regional cooperation. He likewise engaged in meaningful discussions with Consul General Ono on continuing efforts that promote academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and strengthened people-to-people connectivity between Japan and Mindanao.

The celebration featured an array of Japanese cuisine and cultural showcases, reflecting the vibrant and evolving ties between Japan and the Philippines.

Muslims around the world joyfully welcome the holy month of Ramadan—a sacred time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and compassion. This blessed month strengthens our faith, nurtures self-discipline, and reminds us of the values of patience, humility, gratitude, and generosity.

Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset; it is a period of spiritual renewal, seeking forgiveness, and extending kindness to those around us—especially to the less fortunate. Through heartfelt prayers, meaningful acts of charity, and unity within our families and communities, we grow closer to Allah and to one another.

The Institute of Islamic, Arabic, and International Studies (IIAIS) warmly extends its heartfelt greetings to everyone as we embrace this holy month. May Ramadan bring peace to our hearts, harmony to our community, and abundant blessings to our homes.

Ramadan Mubarak! 🌙✨
May our fasting, prayers, and good deeds be accepted and rewarded abundantly.

Xin Nian Kuai Le! 🧧

In the Year of the Horse, we ride forward with vigor, building bridges, shaping global conversations, and advancing diplomacy one stride at a time.

Warmest new year wishes from the International Relations community.