PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 April 2026, MELBOURNE - Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales and Consul General to Melbourne Hon. Jesus Gary Domingo met with representatives of La Trobe University to discuss opportunities for deepening academic cooperation, research partnerships, and transnational education.

The La Trobe delegation was led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President for Future Growth Stacey Farraway, together with academics from La Trobe’s Philippines-related research and policy programs, including Professor Bec Strating of the Centre for Global Security, Director of the Philippines-Australia Forum Dr. Raul Sanchez Urribarri, Dr. Mark Manantan, Dr. Emerich Daroya, and PhD candidate Robert Joseph Medillo.

Ambassador Morales welcomed La Trobe’s sustained engagement with the Philippines and underscored the importance of strengthening institutional platforms for Philippine Studies. He noted that the Philippines-Australia Forum (PAF) at La Trobe has provided the program with a stronger academic foundation and greater public visibility.

Ambassador Morales also acknowledged La Trobe’s broader contributions to policy-relevant research, particularly its work on the South China Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which has provided valuable insight into strategic issues affecting the Philippines, Australia, and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Noting the 10th anniversary of the Award this year, the Ambassador also proposed exploring collaborative initiatives to further highlight its significance and continuing relevance.

The meeting also tackled transnational education opportunities, including offshore-to-onshore learning pathways and possible diploma-to-degree articulation arrangements. There is a demand among Filipino students for programs in healthcare, business, teaching, and engineering.

The Philippines-Australia Forum at La Trobe University is an active hub for research, engagement, and teaching focused on Philippine politics, culture, and society, strengthening ties between both nations. Supported by the Philippine Government, it fosters academic, business, and community links in Melbourne and beyond.

There are currently more than 110 Filipino students enrolled at La Trobe University, including 40 postgraduate students and 18 PhD candidates, which demonstrates the growing educational links between the Philippines and Australia. - END

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