Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente (Photo by OVP MPRD)

PASIG CITY, 17 August 2022 – Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente called on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City.

During the call, Ambassador Clemente presented a proposalfor cooperation on education and culture. He sought the support of DepEd in involving school children in cultural projects. In relation to Italian culture, the Ambassador specifically wishes to expose Filipino students to Italian opera.He further explained that the opera symbolizes Italian cultureand is a gift of Italy to the world. The Vice President responded that Filipino studentsfrom high school for the arts may participatein this initiative. The Ambassador pledged assistancein realizing this project.

The Philippines and Italy established diplomatic relations on 09 July 1947. Several cultural, educational, and economic activities are being organized by both countries to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations of the Philippines and Italythis year.During the call, the Ambassador mentioned about a cultural activity that the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines is organizing in December 2022 in celebration of this milestone event. The Ambassador added that Filipino students may participate in this event and be exposed to Italian culture.