As part of the ongoing collaboration between the two educational institutions, Trat Technical College (TTC) of Trat, Thailand, strengthened its partnership with Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) through an academic and cultural exchange visit, which also included a send-off ceremony for faculty exchange participants, held at the University Hostel on October 9, 2025.

Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Partnership through Sustainable Language, Culture, and Faculty Exchanges,” the program highlighted the visit of two TTC faculty members who will stay for 11 days at Pampanga State U.

The faculty exchange participants will be immersed in the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), where they will share lessons on Thai language, culture, and culinary practices with students and faculty members.

TTC Deputy Director Lanlalit Preechachan expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of mutual learning through cultural and educational exchange.

“In this program, we will exchange Thai culture, language, and food. The students will gain new skills and knowledge. They must have a lot of knowledge before they achieve their education—and then they go to the real world and work,” Preechachan stated.

Furthermore, Engr. Reden Hernandez, Pampanga State U’s Executive Vice President, led the acceptance of the faculty exchange participants together with Dr. Dolores Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Mildred Crisostomo, Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP); and Kathleen Joyce Coronel, Dean of the CHTM.

“Through this faculty exchange, ideas will flow freely between Pampanga and Tran. The benefits ripple outward, expanding public expertise, strengthening institutional ties, and enriching students with global learning and cultural understanding,” said Engr. Hernandez.

The program was organized by the OIPP in partnership with the CHTM where it reinforces the University’s commitment to strengthening institutional linkages and promoting international collaboration through its flagship initiative on language and culture.

“The flagship program of the University, when it comes to internationalization, is the Language and Culture Program. Because we believe that when you establish partnerships with foreign institutions, the number one challenge is language and culture. You can never do any other programs—like faculty or student exchanges—unless you are able to address that,” said Dr. Crisostomo.

On the other hand, the event also marked the culmination of the 20-hour Online English- Kapampangan-Thai Language and Culture Program, held from June 23 to July 18, 2025, which was attended by select faculty members from both Trat Technical College and Pampanga State University.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit

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