The curtains have officially closed on Cine Europa 28, marking the first time the prestigious European film festival was hosted in Tacloban. EVSU, through its Office of Internationalization, co-hosted the event in partnership with the European Union, bringing diverse films and cultures to the city.
Ahead of the festival’s closing, EVSU formalized its partnership with the European Delegation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), further advancing its internationalization agenda.
The closing program began with welcome remarks from Dr. Analyn C. Españo, EVSU’s Vice President for Students, Internationalization, and External Affairs.
This was followed by messages of solidarity and support from EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz; Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez represented by Executive Assistant, Ms. Grace Sudario-Gozo; and Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla represented by Board Member, Hon. Martina “Ina” Gimenez,
Their messages were anchored on Cine Europa’s outstanding contributions towards promoting mutual understanding and enriching global consciousness.
His Excellency Karel Hejc, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, highlighted the program’s significance by sharing his message of support, reflecting on the relevance of cultural and academic collaboration. “Partnerships like the one formalized today with the EVSU, reflect our commitment to inclusive and meaningful cooperation. One that supports education, research, and mutual understanding between our peoples. The Czech Republic continues to work on strengthening academic and scientific ties with the Philippines,” Ambassador Hejc said.
Also present were Alangalang Mayor Lovell Anne M. Yu-Castro, former Leyte Vice Governor Ma. Mimietta Bagulaya, and other distinguished guests, university officials and students who lent further significance to the occasion.
Cine Europa 28 concluded with the screening of Sea of Hope, a Czech feature film that resonated deeply with the festival’s spirit.
Contemplating on its symbolism, Ambassador Hejc remarked, “The image of the sea, something so common and well-known to Filipinos, is deeply symbolic. As the Czech Republic is a landlocked country, and it is in fact, an ultimate dream of every Czech citizen to see at least once in their lifetime, the sea.”
The film and the ambassador’s words offer a deep introspection on how two cultures, so different in geography and experience, can find shared meaning in universal symbols.
Events such as Cine Europa illustrate how international exchanges are vital in fostering appreciation for cultural diversity while also affirming the common aspirations that connect people across nations.
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals
via JS Beleña | UMDC
