15/03/2026
๐ฆ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ | ๐๐จ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ก๐: Strengthening FilipinoโKorean Friendship Program
The Socialis Scientia successfully conducted KULTURALINK at the Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School โ Tiwi Annex on January 23, 2026, marking a meaningful celebration of intercultural unity and shared humanity.
KULTURALINK is more than a celebrationโit is a living testament that Filipinos and Koreans, despite cultural differences, can walk hand in hand, sharing traditions, stories, and values that bridge nations. This intercultural exchange strongly reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 4: Quality Education โ promoting cultural awareness, global citizenship, and experiential learning beyond the classroom
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities โ fostering inclusion, mutual respect, and appreciation of diversity
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities โ preserving and celebrating cultural heritage
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions โ strengthening peaceful relations through dialogue and cultural understanding
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals โ building international collaboration through people-to-people connections
The program began with the arrival of guests, followed by an opening prayer led by Nicole Anating and the singing of the Philippine and South Korean National Anthems, symbolizing mutual respect and unity between the two nations.
The event formally opened with the Opening Remarks delivered by Rosebelle D. Pilador, ASP III Officer-in-Charge of Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School โ Tiwi Annex. This was followed by a message from Dr. Jeena Amoto-Torred, BSEd Program Chair of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.
Following the inspiring messages, the program welcomed the guest speaker, Ms. Hyun Jin Park, Iloilo SFC Director, Hosanna Presbyterian Bible College (HPBC) Director, and Missionary. She emphasized that deep connections are not formed by sharing the same culture or traditions, but by learning to respect, understand, and embrace one anotherโs differences. She highlighted that shared valuesโparticularly respect for each personโs unique identityโare what truly unite people across borders.
The Socialis Scientia extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Korea SFC (Student For Christ) for generously sharing their culture through dance. Appreciation is likewise given to the University Student Council (USC) and the hostel staff for their support in accommodation and logistics, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all guests.
Special recognition is extended to the Principal, teachers, and students of Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School โ Tiwi Annex for their remarkable performances that beautifully showcased the richness of Filipino culture. Additional acknowledgment goes to the Ki-ay Dance Troupe for their spectacular presentation of movement, rhythm, and cultural expression. Their talent and dedication brought life, color, and meaning to the celebration.
The program continued with โPlay and Connect,โ where both Filipino and Korean participants introduced traditional games from their respective cultures, creating moments of laughter, teamwork, and genuine interaction. This was followed by the sharing of Korean dishes, thoughtfully prepared and offered as symbols of friendship, love, and cultural pride.
Adding to the excitement, the Korean guests also experienced Kadang-kadang, a traditional Filipino laro ng lahi that originated in Cebu in 1969. The game involves balancing on 10-foot bamboo stilts and tests speed, balance, and teamwork as teams race while passing the stilts at set intervalsโan unforgettable cultural exchange moment.
The event concluded with closing remarks, leaving participants with lasting memories and deeper connections.
After the event at Tiwi Annex, the Korean SFC members toured Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), guided by the University Student Council (USC). The tour gave them an immersive glimpse of the campus life and facilities. Following the tour, the guests relaxed at the ISUFST Hostel and savored traditional Filipino foods, further deepening their appreciation of Filipino culture.
Indeed, KULTURALINK was a spectacular opportunity to play, connect, and build friendships across Asia. It became even more meaningful through genuine interactions, mutual respect, and a shared love for cultureโproving that unity thrives when differences are embraced.
๐ง๐ผ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ, let us move forwardโone vision, one mission, one ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐. ๐ก๐
Caption and captured by: Richard Caliso, Joana Grace Torlao, Micah Pearl Baylon, and The Sea Treasure
