US PhD student spends cultural immersion in Central Luzon

A DOCTORAL student from the University of Virginia (UVA) in the United States experienced Filipino culture and engaged with local communities during the monthlong International Filipino Language and Culture Program (IFLCP) of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) International Affairs Office.

Robert Sanchis Alvarez participated in the IFLCP program organized by the CLSU College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) from June 10 to July 12, 2024.

IFLC aims to «bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, fostering a deeper appreciation of history and the power of cultural exchange in building global connections and understanding.» Associate professor Karryl Angelie Abon-Amis led it.

University of Virginia doctor of philosophy student Robert Sanchis Alvarez (center) engages in rice planting, a vital part of Filipino agriculture, during his immersion in the International Filipino Language and Culture Program of the Central Luzon State University from June 10 to July 12, 2024. PHOTO FROM HTTPS://CLSU.EDU.PH/

CASS associate professor Zorille Villaflores said the program featured the rich tapestry of Filipino language and culture, including intensive Filipino language lessons.

"[The program] focused on both speaking and grammar to ensure a robust linguistic foundation and a series of cultural immersions which provided a first-hand understanding of Filipino traditions and ways of life," Villaflores said.

She added that the traditional religious practices and beliefs were also included in the program where Alvarez witnessed the «Taong Putik» festival. This unique and visually striking event celebrates faith and tradition in Aliaga town in the province of Nueva Ecija.

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Villaflores said Alvarez visited historical and cultural sites in the capital town of Baler in the neighboring province of Aurora, known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance, and «Little Vigan» in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, which echoes the Philippines' colonial past with its preserved architecture.

«Alvarez also experienced everyday Filipino life, enhancing his understanding of familial and social structures in family immersion activities,» Villaflores said.

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