PANABO CITY — Davao del Norte State College hosted the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme Forum on October 28, 2026, at the DNSC Gymnasium. The forum was attended by all College personnel and representatives from the New Zealand Embassy to discuss international graduate study opportunities and the value of cross-cultural learning.
The delegation included H.E. Catherine Rosemary McIntosh, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines; Joanna Bishop, Second Secretary of the New Zealand Embassy; Dyan Mabunga, Head of New Zealand International Development Cooperation; and Rey Roman, a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships and DNSC alumnus.
In her welcome address, DNSC President Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa reiterated her support for personnel who would like to pursue graduate studies abroad, “During my term, I have encouraged DNSC personnel, particularly our younger colleagues, to pursue graduate studies abroad, as I believe they have potential for growth and development. This is not to discount the contributions of our more experienced personnel, whose years of service and expertise have already brought them far in their professional journeys… Earlier, during our discussion with the visiting delegation, we expressed how privileged we are that DNSC was chosen as one of the few stopover institutions in their itinerary. We are sincerely grateful for this opportunity.”
After an audio-visual presentation showing the beauty and ingenuity of New Zealand, Ambassador McIntosh was given the time to talk about the values, intent, and broader impact of the Manaaki scholarship.
“Scholarship is not just an individual achievement. It is an investment in people who may use what they learn to serve others, to strengthen an institution, improve a service, support an organization, and help the community respond to a challenge in any way. And your learning does not begin when you enter the classroom. You bring histories, languages, responsibilities, and experience with you already,” HE McIntosh shared.
DNSC alumnus Roman narrated his experience pursuing a Master of Food Technology degree at Massey University in New Zealand through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship. Describing the opportunity as life-changing, he discussed how the programme opened doors for academic advancement, international connections, and cultural exchange.
Drawing from the challenges he encountered during his application, Roman advised aspiring applicants to submit their requirements one to two weeks before the deadline and ensure that their work experience, intended programme, and undergraduate degree align.
Roman also highlighted the value of learning alongside people from different backgrounds, “You learn from them, and they learn from you. That is the essence of studying abroad.”
The forum provided DNSC personnel with insights into international scholarship opportunities and how overseas graduate education can strengthen individual capabilities, contribute to institutional development, and equip scholars to give back to their communities and the country.
