Iloilo City, Philippines – The King Sejong Institute (KSI) Iloilo, a newly established cultural and educational hub under the West Visayas State University (WVSU), has achieved significant milestones in its first month of operation. Following the successful Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) on August 1, 2024, KSI Iloilo has swiftly made its mark as a center for Korean language and cultural education.

The King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) aims to promote the Korean language and culture globally, fostering deeper cultural ties and mutual understanding between Korea and other nations. With this mission in mind, KSI Iloilo has embarked on an active and fruitful journey, highlighted by the following key events in August 2024:

• August 5, 2024: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, represented WVSU at the World Korean Educator Conference 2024 in South Korea. At this prestigious event, WVSU received its official designation as King Sejong Institute Iloilo, solidifying its role as a key player in the promotion of Korean culture and language in the Philippines.
• August 24, 2024: KSI-Iloilo held its Opening Ceremony for the First Semester of 2024. This event marked the formal commencement of the institute’s academic offerings, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative experience for its students.
• August 25, 2024: The first day of classes for KSI-Iloilo began with Level 4B (intermediate level). Notably, KSI Iloilo is the only King Sejong Institute out of eight in the Philippines to offer an intermediate-level class, reflecting its commitment to providing advanced educational opportunities for its students.
• August 27, 2024: KSI-Iloilo successfully launched its classes for Level 1B and 2A, catering to beginner and intermediate learners. These classes are part of the institute’s broad curriculum designed to accommodate various proficiency levels.
• August 28, 2024: The first day of classes for Level 1A was conducted, further expanding the institute’s educational reach to students eager to begin their journey in learning the Korean language.

In addition to its academic offerings, KSI Iloilo was actively involved in several on-campus events. On August 16, 2024, during the University Freshmen Orientation, and on August 30, 2024, at CAS Akwe, where KSI Iloilo promoted its programs and surveyed interested students for the next semester. These outreach efforts were instrumental in raising awareness of KSI’s offerings and attracting a diverse group of learners.

Moreover, KSI Iloilo was invited by the Iloilo Korean United Association to participate in the 4th Iloilo-Korea Friendship Day on August 31, 2024. This event celebrated the strong bond between the Ilonggo and Korean communities, providing a platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.

Currently, KSI Iloilo is conducting classes for Level 1A, 1B, 2A, and 4B, with plans to introduce more exciting cultural activities and educational programs in the near future. The success of these initiatives is largely attributed to the dedication of the institute’s faculty and staff, including Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo (Dean, CAS), Dr. Joy H. Pantino (Chair, DEFLLS/Director, KSI Iloilo), Ms. Reeran Park (Korean Project Manager), Ms. Krizza S. Cañete (Filipino Project Manager), Ms. Jungja Han (Instructor), and Ms. Arizza Julia A. Inocencio (Instructor).

Their efforts were further supported by various WVSU offices, including the Office of the President, VPAA, VPAF, Finance Division, ILLO, and PAMCO. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the entire WVSU community to the success of KSI Iloilo.

As KSI Iloilo continues to grow, the community is encouraged to follow its official channels for updates on upcoming classes, cultural activities, and other exciting developments.

Text by Krizza S. Cañete, KSI Iloilo