Tarlac State University (TSU), through the Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), in collaboration with the College of Education (COED), successfully hosted the Converge of Culture: PHIL-KOR Exchange – Round 3: “Fighting! Experience, Exchange, Empower” with Korea Nazarene University (KNU) from August 20 to 24, 2026.
The five-day international exchange brought together the TSU and KNU communities through activities highlighting cultural immersion, education, culinary traditions, performing arts, and martial arts. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd), Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd), Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), and Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education (BCAEd) programs of the TSU College of Education.
The KNU delegation arrived at the TSU Hotel in Villa Lucinda Campus on August 20, marking the beginning of the exchange. The following day featured a program orientation at the TSU Gymnasium, followed by a demonstration session featuring the TSU Taekwondo and Arnis Team and the KNU Taekwondo Team.
On August 22, the participants took part in the PHIL-KOR: Culinary + Martial Arts Exchange at Ungot Elementary School, where Filipino and Korean participants engaged in activities that showcased food, culture, and martial arts. The activity provided opportunities for participants to interact, learn from one another, and experience cultural traditions through shared activities.
A major highlight of the exchange was the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Tarlac State University and Korea Nazarene University, held on August 24 at the TSU Gymnasium.
The ceremony formally strengthened the partnership between the two institutions and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and exchange. Representing TSU during the ceremonial signing was Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, President of Tarlac State University, while Prof. Chung Young Lee, Chairperson of the KNU Taekwondo Department, represented KNU.
The program also featured messages of commitment from officials of both institutions, emphasizing the value of sustained international partnerships and the importance of creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
The August 24 activities also featured a series of cultural and martial arts presentations that showcased the talents of both Filipino and Korean participants. The Salab Banua Dance Troupe presented a cultural performance, while the TSU Chorale highlighted the university’s musical talents. The TSU Taekwondo and Arnis Team and the CLARAA Taekwondo Team likewise demonstrated their skills and discipline through martial arts performances.
Adding to the program's highlights was the world-class exhibition by the KNU Taekwondo Team, which showcased high-level Taekwondo techniques and performances for the TSU community. The exhibition provided an opportunity for participants and spectators to appreciate the discipline, athleticism, and cultural significance of Taekwondo.
The successful implementation of the exchange was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the TSU Office of International Affairs and Linkages and the College of Education, together with the BTVTEd, BPEd, and BCAEd programs.
The initiative was spearheaded and coordinated by Dr. Ninez B. Tulo, Director of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in facilitating international engagement and ensuring the smooth implementation of activities with KNU.
The College of Education, under the leadership of Dean Dr. Cynthia G. Quiambao, likewise played a significant role in bringing the program to fruition. Through the active participation and support of its academic programs, faculty members, students, performers, and athletes, the college helped create a meaningful platform for educational and cultural exchange.
The collective efforts of the organizers, faculty members, students, performers, athletes, and support personnel enabled the program to go beyond a series of cultural activities and become a meaningful internationalization initiative for the university.
Through the Converge of Culture: PHIL-KOR Exchange – Round 3, TSU and KNU strengthened their institutional ties while providing participants with opportunities to experience different cultures, exchange knowledge and traditions, and develop a greater appreciation for international collaboration.
The five-day exchange demonstrated how international partnerships can translate into meaningful experiences for students and the university community. Through culture, education, sports, arts, and shared experiences, the program embodied its theme of “Experience, Exchange, Empower,” strengthening connections between Filipino and Korean communities and opening opportunities for continued cooperation between TSU and KNU.
