PR-22-2025
10 November 2025, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Philippine Consul General Jesus R. S. Domingo, accompanied by Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao, met with Dr. Bec Strating, Professor of International Relations and Director for regional engagement on Asia programs at La Trobe University, and Mr. Mark Manantan to deepen cooperation under the Philippines–Australia Forum (PAF@La Trobe). The discussion reviewed recent activities and outlined next steps to connect academic, policy, and community stakeholders in Melbourne in support of Philippine studies, people-to-people links, and informed public discourse.
PAF@La Trobe was supported through a ₱5-million Deed of Gift from the Philippine Government under a 2022 congressional initiative championed by Senator Loren Legarda to establish Philippine Studies programs abroad and support teaching, research, and public engagement.
Both sides agreed to maintain active collaboration—from public talks and podcast conversations to symposia and joint projects—on shared interests such as regional security, maritime cooperation, state and city diplomacy, climate resilience, and education mobility. The Consulate General will work with La Trobe University and partner institutions to translate these into practical initiatives that support the Filipino community and deepen Australia–Philippines ties.
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