In a significant move to strengthen its global presence, Philippine Normal University (PNU) President Dr. Bert J. Tuga, along with Vice-President for Student Success and Stakeholders Services Dr. Denmark Yonson, recently visited Dubai. Their visit was primarily for a 3-day conference by the Association of Philippine Schools Overseas and included the first ever PNU Alumni gathering in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signaling a notable effort to connect with graduates working abroad.
The alumni event, spearheaded by Bethoven Filomeno, a PNU graduate of the 2004 batch, was held at the B-Hub events and community place in Burjuman Mall. This historic gathering brought together PNU graduates from various years, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the attendees.
During the visit, Dr. Tuga shared insights into his presidency journey, which began in 2019 and has recently entered its second term in December 2023. He outlined his administration’s vision for the university, emphasizing a global approach to teacher education. Dr. Tuga highlighted the significant population of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE, including a considerable number of teachers and educators, underlining the importance of connecting with PNU graduates in the region.
Moreover, Dr. Tuga announced plans to establish a PNU Alumni Group in the Middle East, aiming to unite graduates not only from the UAE but also from other Gulf countries such as Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a global network of educators, contributing to the worldwide educational landscape.
Dr. Yonson, in his presentation, detailed the various programs and projects designed to engage PNU alumni, including the proposal to hold the first ever PNU Alumni Middle East Convention in 2025. This event is envisioned to solidify the partnership with graduates based in the Middle East and further enhance PNU’s global network of educators.
