A new school in Phnom Penh that adopted the curriculum of the Department of Education of the Philippines opened early this month. St. Jude Thaddeus International School (SJTIS), located in Toul Tumpung, officially opened on 8 September 2020. Ms. Myca Magnolia M. Fischer, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the Embassy, was invited as Guest of Honor during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During her remarks, Ms. Fischer conveyed felicitations on the opening of the school and called on the Filipino educators at the helm of the school to continue contributing to the development of Cambodia. “I know that this is not just a business enterprise for you because I know that you truly believe in the lofty goal of molding the young for a better future. I am very proud that the Philippines will leave its mark here in Cambodia through the many children educated by dedicated and nurturing Filipino teachers, using the curriculum of the Philippine Department of Education. Through your efforts to raise God-loving and hard-working children, you will be contributing to the socio-economic development of our host country,” said Ms. Fischer

Ms. Myra D. Bangad, the Filipino school director, welcomed guests and members of the faculty and school personnel, and expressed appreciation for the support extended to SJTIS. She also shared the story of how she was inspired to establish a school in Phnom Penh that is affiliated with the Sir Melan Learning Center, Inc. in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines.

The increasing number of Filipinos in Cambodia has created a demand for schools that adopt the Philippine basic education curriculum, for ease of eventually transferring to the Philippines. In addition to SJTIS, the Integrated School of Cambodia, also located in Phnom Penh, has adopted the Philippine curriculum. END