San Sebastian College–Recoletos Manila (SSC-R Manila) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to foster global academic cooperation and cultural exchange with the official turnover ceremony of library materials from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, held on November 6, 2025, at the St. Thomas of Villanova Library.
His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, graced the occasion and delivered an inspiring message on the enduring value of international collaboration in higher education. The ambassador’s presence underscored the increasing importance of intercultural understanding and scholarly connections in today’s academic landscape.
The ceremony also highlighted the strategic direction of SSC-R Manila Library’s Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to elevate the institution’s role in global academic engagement. Central to this initiative is the creation of a dedicated International Corner, envisioned as a space where students, faculty, and visiting scholars can access educational and cultural resources from partner countries. The newly donated materials from the UAE Embassy will serve as a foundational collection for this endeavor, enriching learning opportunities and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
College President Fr. Rafael B. Pecson, OAR, led the SSC-R Manila administration in welcoming Ambassador Alzaabi, joined by Fr. Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR (Vice President for Administration), Fr. Henry H. Santiago, OAR (Vice President for Finance), Fr. Jose Prudencio G. Castillo Jr., OAR (Vice President for Identity, Formation, and Mission), along with lay administrators and SSC-R employees. Their collective presence demonstrated the institutional commitment to internationalization and the holistic formation of the academic community.
SSC-R Manila’s partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates not only responds to the evolving educational needs of its constituents but also sets a precedent for collaborative global education. The institution expresses its most profound appreciation to Ambassador Alzaabi and the UAE Embassy for their invaluable support. It anticipates future opportunities for meaningful cultural and scholarly exchange through the International Corner.
