By Glenn D. Tipay

OLONGAPO CITY — On March 9, 2026, the Olongapo City Government and the Department of Education (DepEd) warmly welcomed a delegation from National Keelung Senior High School in Taiwan as part of a cultural and academic exchange initiative aimed at strengthening international collaboration in education.

The Taiwanese delegation, led by School Director Wang Chunchih, and composed of teachers and selected students, was formally welcomed by Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr., and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Imelda P. Macaspac, along with the LGU and education officials.

As part of the welcoming activities, the visitors participated in the city’s Flag Raising Ceremony at Rizal Triangle, where they experienced one of Olongapo City’s civic traditions. The ceremony highlighted the city’s strong sense of community and patriotism.

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DepEd Olongapo, and National Keelung Senior High School which was facilitated by the Olongapo City Government with City Mayor Rolen Paulino, Jr. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in academic initiatives, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships between the institutions.

Following the formal ceremony, the delegation proceeded to Regional Science High School III, where Filipino and Taiwanese students engaged in interactive activities, cultural presentations, and collaborative discussions designed to promote cross-cultural learning. Taiwan delegations led by School Director Chun-chih Wang and teachers Yushuan Yuan and Chien Fuyu observed classes in Science, Math and Research.

The program at the school began with a Welcome Message from Principal IV Gemma Flores, followed by the Introduction of Participants of the Cultural and Academic Exchange Program delivered by Manuel Lindayag, representative of the Mayor’s Office, and Arlene Dela Rea, Senior Education Program Specialist / Partnership Coordinator.

In her Message of Support and Gratitude, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ilynne S. Samonte expressed appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in broadening students’ perspectives and educational opportunities.

Meanwhile, School Director Wang Chunchih of National Keelung Senior High School shared his message of goodwill, highlighting the value of cultural understanding and educational cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines. He also expressed his sincere gratitude for the warmest hospitality Olongapo City has shown.

The exchange program provided students from both countries with the opportunity to share experiences, learn about each other’s traditions, and build meaningful connections beyond the classroom.

The City Government and education officials emphasized that initiatives such as this reinforce DepEd Olongapo and Olongapo City’s commitment to preparing learners for a globally connected community while fostering friendship, cultural appreciation, and mutual understanding among the youth of the Philippines and Taiwan.