Philippine Embassy, NOVA FCSH Formalize Partnership for Philippine Studies Program in Portugal
Lisbon, 25 September 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH) of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa have formalized their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a Philippine Studies Program in Portugal on 25 September 2025. The MOU, along with a Donation Agreement, was signed by Philippine Ambassador Paul Raymund P. Cortes and NOVA FCSH Dean Alexandra Curvelo.
The Philippine Studies Program, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural Diplomacy, aims to promote a deeper understanding of Philippine history, culture, and society in Portugal while fostering academic collaboration and exchange between Filipino and Portuguese scholars. As part of the program’s initiative for this year, an international workshop is scheduled for 9 to 10 December 2025.
With the support of the Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and the NOVA FCSH’s Centro de Humanidades (CHAM), and the Foundation for Science and Technology, the workshop will bring together academics and researchers from the Philippines and across Europe to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to cultural exchange, shared traditions, and transcontinental trade.
Dr. Stephanie Coo, ADMU professor CHAM auxiliary researcher, witnessed the signing of the MOU and will serve as the organizer of the upcoming workshop. The event is expected to provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the development of new educational resources on Philippine studies.
Through this partnership, the Philippine Embassy and NOVA FCSH will also organize activities to create a deeper awareness and keen interest in Philippine heritage among members of the Portuguese and the greater European academic community, support educational initiatives, and explore ongoing avenues for scholarly cooperation. The MOU underscores a mutual commitment to strengthening academic and cultural ties and promoting greater understanding between the Philippines and Portugal. END
