As the Philippine Embassy continues to promote closer people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the Philippines and New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez graced the 1st Commencement Ceremony of the International Academy of New Zealand (IANZ) on 3 May 2014 at the Langham Hotel in Auckland. Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia and Atty. Gene Bagsic from the Philippine Consulate General in Auckland and education consultant Dr. Cecile F. Aquino were also present. One hundred thirty two graduating students from the Philippines, India and other countries marched proudly as they received their National Diploma in business, healthcare and computing reached another milestone in their educational journey. IANZ is one of the private institutions in Auckland accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and is a signatory to the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students. IANZ is the first school owned and operated by Filipinos, Exzur and Zarah Peralta, offering a variety of courses and career opportunities, equipped with modern teaching, learning and social facilities and providing enjoyable, caring, supportive, motivating, friendly and multicultural environment for its students from around the world.

In her speech, Ambassador Benavidez pointed out that in conformity with New Zealand’s high standard of teaching and world renowned quality of education and IANZ’s tagline of “Emerging World, Innovative Education”, the International Academy of New Zealand prepares its students from different multicultural backgrounds in an international environment and immersed in proactive approaches and broad-based and future-focused learnings that enable them to get the proper and comprehensive education, training, support, exposure and specialized understanding of their respective fields of study. She exhorted the graduates “to find your passion, your mission, your vision (your kaupapa) and, in your own fields and in your own ways, help change the world. Keep your mind open to learning with your fellowmen, and to working with them for a better company, a better country, an even better world and a much better tomorrow”. Words of gratitude were given to parents, guardians, family members, loved ones and friends who stood by the graduates through thick and thin and sacrificed their money, time, emotions, and even their own selves so they can get a meaningful and well-rounded education at IANZ. Heartiest round of applause were given to IANZ’s directors, management, administrators, faculty, staff who are inspiring, dedicated and approachable and the service staff who have all been a big part of the graduates’ lives.

The IANZ Graduation Ceremony featured the Processional by the Graduates, Academic Staff and Local Advisory Committee, Welcome Remarks and Introduction by Dr. August Salonga, Reflections on Graduate Education by Jonah Paslaban, Opportunities and Challenges by Rajwinder Singh Mahal, and Khyati Patel, Journey to Success by Derrick Oliver and Jennifer Culanculan, Congratulatory Speech by Daljit Singh, Presentation of Candidates in Business by Dr. August Salonga, IT by Sarabjit Singh and Healthcare by Zarah Peralta, Commencement Speech by Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and Conferment of Diplomas and Presentation of Medals and Closing Remarks by Exzur Peralta.

Education is a priority area of cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand given the importance of fostering human resources development and building bridges of friendship, goodwill and understanding among Filipinos, New Zealanders and the wider communities.