Saint Louis University (SLU) warmly welcomed representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for an exploratory meeting on 20 June 2024 at the Alejandro Roces Boardroom, Admin Center, Fr. Burgos Building, SLU Main Campus.
Managing Director Jayzle D. Ravelo, Director Inigo L. Regalado III, Deputy Director Ingrid B. Deveza, Bank Officer Larry C. Elsiterio, and the BSP Human Resources-Organization Development (HR-OD) team spearheaded the meeting for BSP. Meeting with them were SLU’s Graduate Program Coordinators Dr. Faridah Kristi C. Wetherick, Dr. Zenedith P. Monang, Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus, and Dr. Marcelino N. Lunag Jr.
In the exploratory meeting, BSP discussed potential areas for partnership with the University including full scholarship grants to graduate students in targeted programs of the School of Advanced Studies (SAS). Full tuition, allowances, and possible employment to BSP upon completion are among the generous inclusions in the scholarship for the graduate students, as the company eyes excellent talents from the University. In line with this, internship opportunities to provide hands-on experience in central banking operations for the university students are also among the potential areas of collaboration.
Further, research projects and activities along with donations to the SLU Law Library to further enhance the learning experience and materials available for the students and also aid the faculty are also being eyed. BSP also aims to build professional networks with industry experts and the academy, moving towards a fruitful industry-academe partnership.
“The University visualizes a flourishing partnership with BSP which will really provide the biggest support not only to the students, but also the stakeholders and more opportunities with an industry-academe linkage,” said SAS Dean Faridah Kristi C. Wetherick, PhD, with respect to the University’s vision towards the partnership.
The next step towards the implementation of the targeted programs will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SLU and BSP then the screening of scholars. The target time frame for the signing of MOU and finalizing of the partnership plans is July to August 2024, with the hopes of starting the screening process within the beginning of the next academic year.
Article by Antonio Lim, Jr. (UIO Volunteer)
Photos by Emmanuel Gregorio (UIO Volunteer)
