CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—Samar State University (SSU) welcomed the biggest delegation of international exchange students from the Dong Thap University (DThU) in Vietnam for the SSU-DThU Interim Field Trip today, July 22, 2025, at the SSU Main Campus, Catbalogan City. The week-long activity is an academic requirement for DThU’s Master’s Program in Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching students.
On their first day at SSU, the 21 graduate students of DThU were received through a hadang, an ancient rite of the Waraynons to welcome visitors and wish for good fortune. An opening program proceeded at the SSU Convention Center to formally welcome the exchange students, with President Palencia personally addressing the DThU delegation through a welcome message.
“As global citizens, we embrace each other’s differences and rejoice in the similarities that connect us as one people and one village . . . Let us give back to the society the learnings exchanged through this visit so we can create positive and lasting impacts in our respective borders and beyond,” President Palencia stated.
On the other hand, DThU delegation’s leader, Mr. Phan Phu Coung, likewise responded with a message of gratitude.
“We are hopeful that all of us will complete this course and carry with us not only academic knowledge, but also lasting memories and friendship,” Mr. Coung remarked.
Afterward, both SSU and DThU presented their respective cultural performances, followed by a lecture on Communicative Language Teaching by President Palencia.
The opening program was graced by SSU Key Officials, including SSU’s Vice-President for Administration and Finance Engr. Lourdes Amante, Vice-President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gina U. Españo, Director for International Affairs Dr. Elmer Irene, Dean of Graduate School (GS) Dr. Lanie M. Pacadaljen, Dean of College of Education Dr. Laura B. Boller, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Florabelle B. Patosa, Chairperson of GS Master of Education in English Dr. Nathalie Ann Acosta, and Director for Quality Assurance Mr. Jake Boy Carbonquillo.
The DThU delegation is composed of 21 graduate students, namely Truong Vo Thai Thi Thuy, Ngo Thanh, Le Xuan, Dang Hoang, Le Thanh, Tu Ngoc, Nguyen Tuyet Anh, Do Huynh, Trương Thi Thu, Phan Phu, Vo Thi Kim, Le Hai, Van To, Vu Chau Thien, Nguyen Nhut, Nguyen Tuyet, Pham Thi Thanh, Tran Van, Trinh Do Bao, Phan Tran Quoc, and Pham Anh.
In the coming days, the visitors are set to engage in various tours and lectures around Catbalogan City and Calbayog City. The SSU International Affairs Office leads this week-long international engagement in collaboration with the SSU Graduate School and Catbalogan City local government.