By: Ivan Kurt M. Monasterial
Deputy Speaker Skopeček, Czech Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Šedivá with UP President Jimenez – Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO
On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the University of the Philippines Diliman hosted a delegation from the Czech Republic to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The Czech delegation was composed of officials from the Parliament of the Czech Republic and members of Czech business communities, headed by Mr. Jan Skopeček, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.
The meeting aimed to discuss the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. Joining the delegation of Deputy Speaker Skopeček are Ambassador Jana Šedivá, Deputy Head of Mission Dalibor Mička, Vice President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce Michal Štefl, Director of the Department of International Relations Michaela Frková, Desk Officer for the Philippines David Jarkulis, Economic and Trade Counsellor Maroš Martin Guoth, Chairman of the Economic Committee Ivan Adamec, Vice-Chairman of the Economic Committee Jan Bauer, Member of the Mandate and Immunity Committee Romana Fischerová, Interpreter Silvie Ginterová, Vice-Chairman of the Economic Committee Martin Kolovratník, Vice-Chairman of the Economic Committee Antonin Tesařík, Member of the Economic Committee Michal Kučera, Member of the Economic Committee Tomáš Müller, Secretary of the Economic Committee Kateřina Tarant, and Assistant to the Ambassador Celine Ronquillo.
The University of the Philippines was represented by its top officials, including University President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, Executive Vice President Atty. Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, Adviser for Academic and Research Development Dr. Leo D.P. Cubillan, Vice President for Public Affairs Dr. Jose Wendell Capili, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Curriculum and Instruction) Dr. Evangeline C. Amor, and Deputy Director of the Office of International Linkages Dr. Noel Christian Moratilla.
The Czech delegation also discussed cooperation agreements with several universities, including the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technical University of Liberec, Mendel University in Brno, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, and active partnership with University of the Philippines Los Baños.
The meeting was productive and provided a platform for both countries to explore potential areas for collaboration. The University of the Philippines Diliman welcomes the Czech Republic delegation and looks forward to future partnerships that will benefit both nations.