Rizal Technological University (RTU) once again took a significant step in its global outreach efforts by hosting a cultural immersion of fellows from Enchild. This collaboration was facilitated by RTU’s Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) headed by its Director Dr. Mark Joseph Santos, and the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) under the leadership of Instr. Donne Estocada signals an essential moment in the university’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and expanding its international network.
The intercultural event was inaugurated with a warm welcome dance from Kultura Rizalia, RTU’s cultural ensemble, setting the stage for a day of collaboration. Mr. Ryan Tupas, President of Enchild Philippines, and Dr. Mark Joseph Santos delivered insightful opening remarks, emphasizing the transformative potential of cultural exchange in bridging diverse communities.
Mr. Tupas, accompanied by Members of Out Cloud Entertainment Japan, extended warm appreciation to the selected RTU students participating in the ENCHILD Program. This acknowledgment was underscored by a Dance Workshop, where members of RTU Kultura Rizalia, IHK, and their Japanese counterparts seamlessly exchanged insights into dance and choreography, fostering an exchange of cultural knowledge and artistic expression.
The event showcased the remarkable talents of IHK students, who captivated the audience with a “Bird Dance,” a cherished Filipino cultural expression. Complementing this performance was the artistry of Outcloud, a Japanese dance group, who showcased their mastery with their interpretation of “Tracing that Dream,” showcasing the universality of art and the power of dance to transcend borders and unite diverse communities.
RTU embodies a commitment to nurturing cultural understanding and strengthening bonds between the Japanese and Filipino communities. This initiative seeks to empower individuals from both nations with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
Enchild is a non-profit organization (NPO) that offers assistance to children in developing nations facing challenges in attending school due to insufficient educational infrastructure or poverty. Its initiatives encompass a variety of support projects, including scholarships, the implementation of exchange programs for beneficiaries, school lunch support through feeding services, provision of books and teaching materials, and assistance with school equipment.
RTU has been collaborating with Enchild since 2019, hosting cultural and extension programs with Japanese sponsors visiting their beneficiaries in the Philippines. Learn more about Enchild by visiting https://enchild.org/