January 30, 2023 — The city continues to expand its partnerships in order to support teaching and learning. Such can be evidenced when representatives from Hankyong National University, in partnership with the Bataan Peninsula State University led by Vice-President for Academic Affairs Mr. Emmanuel C. Macaraeg, were welcomed by city officials headed by Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia to the City Hall’s Audio-Visual room.

Executives present from Hankyong National University were Vice-President Sul Minsin, Head of International Affairs Lim Seungwon, and BPSU Professor Jeon Jaewoo.

Chair of the Committee on Good Government and Ethics Hon. Benigno Meriño shared thoughts on the significance of making education available to everyone in order to raise its quality through collaborations like this. Then, Chairperson on the Committee on Health Hon. Christian Manalaysay and Sangguniang Panlungsod secretariat Mr. Celito Tuazon also expressed their solidarity to the undertaking.

City Education & Excellence Development Office (CEEDO) OIC Ms. Tarra Ann Pagdanganan acknowledged the assistance from city department heads led by Atty. April Atcheco. Their efforts in the internship that was conducted through a fruitful nine-day immersion program for South Korean students were recognized.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Minsin complimented the city for its hospitality and spoke about its educational endeavors. Then, an invitation was sent to LGU-Balanga to the 2023 HKNU International Conference Commemoration for Integrated Launch of Hankyong National University and Korea National University of Welfare. Balanga’s invitation is for it to be among the selected presenters in the conference, expecting it to impart knowledge and skills gained through abundant field experiences.

In line with the city’s mission and vision to be a highly livable community and a smart university town, Mayor Garcia, in his message, emphasized student needs that are consistently being met today. With 17 of 25 city barangays already having an operational learning hub, talent and education are guaranteed as the city navigates the extremely technologically advanced and competitive world.