SENATOR Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of developing Philippine Studies to help the world better understand the country’s role on the global stage.

“Philippine Studies has become more than an academic discipline; it is a global platform for Filipino voices and perspectives to be heard and acknowledged, contributing to the larger human conversation,” Legarda said.

The senator made the statement during her speech at the opening ceremony of ‘Dialogo: Philippine Studies Goes Global’ in Manila.

“From groundbreaking research and community projects to collaborative dialogues on pressing global issues, these universities have become vital centers where values, ideas, and cultures intersect,” she added.

Various top scholars on Philippine Studies converged in one venue, hoping to promote indigenous knowledge production and enrich the country’s understanding through differing perspectives of global scholarship.

The event also provided a platform for showcasing research and unique initiatives in Philippine Studies, fostering both national and international support.

Legarda also announced the upcoming launch of a publication that will chronicle the journey of the Philippine Studies Program, its milestones, initiatives, and the individuals and communities it has empowered.

The publication, titled From the Philippines to the World: A Global Catalogue of Philippine Studies Programs Abroad Promoting Academic Excellence and Cultural Diplomacy, will be introduced in the first quarter of 2025.

“Today, Philippine Studies programs continue to grow, creating spaces where our stories, struggles, and triumphs are studied, understood, and celebrated,” Legarda added.

“Your work—whether in research, in the classroom, or community engagement—upholds the spirit of Philippine culture and brings our aspirations into a global forum,” she remarked.

“Let us create a strong national brand that indulges the world in the richness of our cultural heritage, the depth of our intellectual discourse, and the dynamism of our creative spirit,” she stressed.

Through Legarda’s efforts, 25 universities across the globe have received funding to establish or enhance their Philippine Studies programs.