Barcelona, 28 February 2024 - In a further step towards fostering cultural exchange and strengthening connections with educational institutions in Barcelona, Philippine Consul General to Barcelona, Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro visited officials of the Escola Mare de Déu del Roser on 28 February 2024.
Escola Mare de Déu del Roser, located in the same district as the Consulate, welcomed Consul General Lazaro and the Consulate’s Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay. The school, home to 490 students ranging from nursery to 4th year Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (Compulsory Secondary Education) levels, boasts a rich multicultural environment, with a quarter of its student population being children of Filipino migrants.
During the visit, Director Anna Pedrola with school officials Sergi Mezquida, Anna López and Núria Teruel led the delegation through a tour of the school’s premises and ongoing classroom activities. The tour showcased the school’s academic activities, history and architectural marvels including a stunning church designed by Catalan architect Joan Martorell I Montells, a mentor to the iconic Antoni Gaudí.
One of the highlights of the visit was the reading of a heartfelt welcome message in Filipino delivered by Filipino students Gia Alday and Precious Catibog. Consul General Lazaro expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the school community, gaining insights into its ethos and vision, particularly in educating 120 students of Filipino descent studying in the school. She spoke with some Filipino students during the tour.
In a pledge to further enrich cultural understanding, Consul General Lazaro and the school officials affirmed their commitment to intensifying cultural exchange initiatives. Through the Consulate’s cultural and public diplomacy programs, the students will delve deeper into the rich history, culture and traditions of the Philippines. The enhanced engagement will allow the student body to learn more about the identity and values of their Filipino schoolmates. END
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The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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PHOTO CAPTIONS
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with students and school officials
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro with Filipino students
Consul General Lazaro visiting a 4th year level Educación Secundaria Obligatoria class
Mr. Sergi Mezquida, Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, Director Anna Pedrola, Ms. Núria Teruel and Ms.Anna López
(from left to right)