21 February 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, as part of its public diplomacy program, welcomed freshmen university students of International Studies from the Blanquerna-Ramon Llull University. They were accompanied by their professor Dr. Carles Fernandez Tome. The visit was the second from students of Blanquerna University.

During the visit, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro gave a presentation on the functions of the Philippine Consulate General based on the pillars of Philippine foreign policy and the services the Consulate provides to Filipino citizens. Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay also made a brief presentation on the historical and cultural heritage of the Philippines and its ties with Spain. The briefings were followed by a tour of the consular section to give the students an insight on the actual operations of the Consulate.

Barcelona PCG is maximizing the historical link between the Philippines and Spain to advance its public diplomacy program by partnering with academic institutions and engaging university students, especially of International Relations, who are Spain´s future diplomats, opinion shapers and influencers.

Blanquerna-Ramon Llull University has 3,000 students and 250 faculty members. One of its strengths is its International Relations program. END

University students of the Blanquerna-Ramon Llull University with Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Barcelona PCG personnel

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro giving a lecture on diplomatic and consular matters

Children of Consulate personnel being interviewed by TFC Barcelona ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau correspondent  Ms. Sandra Sotelo