Consulate visits grant BukSU student ambassadors firsthand global insights

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) invested in global competency by providing direct diplomatic experience to three select student ambassadors on November 3, 2025. The ambassadors and the International Affairs and Linkages Unit (IALU) engaged in high-level meetings at the Consulate General of Malaysia and the Consulate General of Japan in Davao City.

Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh and Japanese Consul General Ono Hirotaka formally received the BukSU delegation. Both officials expressed strong support for the university’s internationalization efforts, commending BukSU for actively integrating students into the diplomatic community.

According to IALU, the visits allowed the students to gain insights into the intricacies of diplomacy and discover the power of international dialogue and connection, thus serving as a powerful reminder that education extends far beyond the classroom, directly reflecting BukSU’s vision to shape globally competent and culturally grounded individuals.

Representing BukSU were Mr. Jeter Giambi Melendez, a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC) student; Mr. Jugg Manuel Ricare, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) student; and Ms. Margalo Clarisse Fernandez, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics student. They were accompanied by Ms. Rachel-Anne S. Valera, Chair of the Faculty Mobility Program; Mr. Jiomer E. Pacquiao, Head of the International Affairs and Linkages Management Staff; Ms. Princess Ann Y. Amoguis, Administrative Aide III; and Ms. Christie M. Esperon, Head of the Presidential External Affairs and Public Relations.

For student ambassador Jeter Giambi Melendez, the experience was both humbling and inspiring. “Visiting the Malaysian and Japanese Embassies was a humbling experience, knowing I was representing something bigger than myself and striving to build good connections for Bukidnon State University,” he shared. “At the Malaysian Embassy, I learned about professionalism and how collaboration fosters mutual progress, while the Japanese Embassy’s deep respect for culture, history, and calm approach to cooperation left a lasting impression. Both visits inspired me through their dedication and openness, filling me with hope—for BukSU, for myself as a student, and for Filipinos. They taught me that to build bridges of understanding and growth, we must be brave.”

With the same sense of pride, BAEL student ambassador Jugg Manuel Ricare described how the embassy visit broadened his understanding of global opportunities. “During my visit to the Malaysian Embassy, I learned about the different opportunities they offer for student exchange programs that promote cultural understanding and academic growth,” he said. “I also discovered at the Japanese Embassy Japan’s strong commitment to education and cultural exchange, where students can study, learn the language, and experience Japanese traditions firsthand. These experiences made me realize how valuable exchange programs are in building mutual understanding, global awareness, and lasting friendships between nations.”

Meanwhile, Economics student ambassador Margalo Clarisse Fernandez reflected on how the visit deepened her appreciation for diplomacy and international collaboration. “The visit to the Japanese and Malaysian Embassies has opened doors of opportunity for me as a student to explore, learn, and grow,” she shared. “Malaysian Consulate General Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh shared valuable insights on strengthening our connection with Malaysia, while Japanese Consulate General Hirotaka Ono introduced us to the JENESYS Programme, which fosters friendship and diplomatic relationships among the youth of Japan and Southeast Asia. These meaningful encounters allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of cultural exchange and international cooperation. Truly, this experience inspired me to become a bridge of understanding and goodwill.” (Ms. Rachel-Anne Valera, BukSU-IALU Chair of the Faculty Mobility Program)