Assistant Professor John Paul P. Mondejar, Director of the International Relations Office (IRO) of the University of San Agustin (USA), paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Nathaniel G. Imperial, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Italian Republic, on 14 October 2026, during his official visit to Rome to participate in the 2026 Villanova International Sustainability Conference, held from 12 to 15 October 2026.
The courtesy call provided an opportunity to convey greetings and express appreciation for the Ambassador’s service in advancing Philippine interests and strengthening diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy. It also highlighted the important role of Philippine diplomatic missions in facilitating connections between Philippine institutions and their international counterparts.
As Director of the University’s International Relations Office, Assistant Professor Mondejar underscored the importance of engaging Philippine diplomatic missions in advancing the University’s internationalization agenda. Such engagements open avenues for exploring academic linkages, institutional partnerships, student and faculty mobility, cultural exchange, and other forms of international cooperation.
The meeting also recognized the value of cultural and public diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people relations and promoting greater understanding between the Philippines and the international community. In this regard, Philippine higher education institutions play an important role in complementing the country’s diplomatic efforts through education, research, and cross-cultural engagement.
The courtesy call forms part of the University of San Agustin’s continuing efforts to strengthen its international network and cultivate meaningful relationships with Philippine diplomatic missions abroad, supporting its broader commitment to global engagement and the internationalization of higher education.
SDGs: 17, 16
