QCU Explores Academic and Cultural Ties with Brazil
Quezon City University (QCU) explored opportunities to expand its academic, cultural, and institutional linkages with Brazil during a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of Brazil in the Philippines. The meeting was attended by Brazilian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Gilberto de Mauro, Embassy Counselor and Head of Academia, Science, Technology, and Innovation Mr. Juan Bonfim, and QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza.
During the engagement, QCU presented its academic programs and institutional initiatives, highlighting its commitment to accessible, industry-responsive, and globally oriented education. The University also shared its scholarship initiatives supporting young women from rural provinces, with eight scholars currently pursuing degrees in Education and Information Technology.
QCU highlighted its Engineering and Information Technology programs, including its students’ participation in international VEX Robotics competitions in the United States. These achievements reflect the University’s emphasis on innovation, technology, and hands-on learning. The University also presented the Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation (CUAI), which promotes sustainable urban agriculture and entrepreneurship
through practical learning, agribusiness initiatives, and greenhouse-based activities. CUAI supports the integration of agriculture into QCU’s Entrepreneurship program while providing students with opportunities to develop skills in innovation and enterprise. QCU also shared
its institutional profile as a public university supported primarily by the Quezon City Government and the national government. Serving approximately 12,500 students across three campuses, QCU has provided tuition-free education through its full scholarship program since becoming a full university in 2021. The discussion further highlighted the longstanding relations between Brazil and the Philippines as the two countries mark the
80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as well as the proposed sister city memorandum between Quezon City and São Paulo, which could open opportunities for broader academic, cultural, and educational exchanges.
QCU expressed interest in establishing partnerships with Brazilian higher education institutions in areas such as academic collaboration, research, and student and faculty exchanges. The University also proposed initiatives such as Brazilian film screenings and a “Brazil Corner” at the QCU Library to promote Brazilian culture, knowledge, and educational resources among the university community. Ambassador de Mauro and Mr. Bonfim welcomed QCU’s interest and shared plans to include the University in the Embassy’s academic outreach network, which may provide access to university partnership opportunities and volunteer initiatives. The engagement marks an initial step toward expanding QCU’s international academic network and developing potential partnerships with Brazilian universities and cultural institutions, further advancing the University’s commitment to global engagement, innovation, and accessible education.
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