By Rose B. Palacio

Davao City (8 February) -- University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) SUC president Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin bared today that the state university inked a partnership with St. Paul's Theological Seminary of the Republic of Korea represented by its President, Mr. Hur Chang Bum for the establishment of an Institute of Languages here in Davao.

In line with USEP's thrust to be globally competitive, USEP and Paul's Theological Seminary, will establish a functional working relationship and promote mutual international relation through the learning of English language.

Mr. Bum, who is based in South Korea came over in Davao City to offer an intensive training program for Korean students and children to be managed by USEP.

Dr. Alibin said an initial of about one hundred Korean students are scheduled to come here in Davao by July this year (2008) to learn English language and learn the culture and tradition of Filipinos and vice versa.

In the near future, Mr. Bum wish to have bachelor's degree and masteral programs to benefit Korean students, he said.

We are also inviting, not only Korean nationals, but Japanese as well to also learn intensive learning in English, our university is willing to be partners with foreign institutions, Dr. Alibon further said.

He said that at present, USEP's students totaled about 11,000 and it plan to provide more buildings and classrooms due to increasing enrollees every year.

In fact, our college of education is undergoing additional school building construction and is expected to be completed mid this year, he added

Dr. Alibon said USEP offers short courses particularly for our out-of-school youth for them to be able to land a job. Skilled workers, he said are now in demand, not only domestically, but in other countries.

These courses are being funded by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the city government.