LAST April 16, the Foreign Service Institute of the Philippines (FSI) released news about meeting Ms. Ma. Keren Happuch D. Arroyo, Chairperson of the International Studies Department, and Mr. Emmanuel Gerard O. Afable, International Studies Faculty for a prospective collaboration for the International Studies Department future educational plans. 

        In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Ms. Arroyo explained that they met up with FSI’s Director-General, Atty. Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III. The secretary of Atty. Fernandez called Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Afable through a courtesy call wherein the FSI was interested in collaborating and forming linkages with San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). 

        Although the Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Studies Department already had a Memorandum of Understanding in effect years ago in which the FSI is absorbed by the DFA. Yet, the purpose of the collaboration was primarily to form linkages for any interns applying from the school and potentially get training directly from them. Ms. Arroyo stated, “As the FSI is looking for future Foreign Service employees within the pool of academic partners, one of which is San Beda.” Mr. Afable explained that this is very much aligned with the course of International Studies, but it also gives the students a chance to establish their Foreign Service careers in the FSI. 

        Both Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Afable agreed that this was a good opportunity for the International Studies Department. “The International Studies Department aims to be able to provide opportunities for students that would equip them in the 21st Century,” said by Ms Arroyo when asked about the Department’s plan in advancing the program and its students that cultivates building excellence in relation to the school’s Benedictine values.