Dr. Enrico Gloria has brought pride to the Philippines after delivering a graduation speech entirely in Mandarin at the commencement ceremony of Tsinghua University’s School of Social Sciences in Beijing. Chosen to represent the international student community, the Filipino scholar used the occasion to promote compassion, cultural understanding, and shared humanity while marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
CHINA — A Filipino academic has brought pride to the Philippines after being chosen to represent the international student community during the graduation ceremony of the School of Social Sciences at one of China’s most respected academic institutions. In a moment that highlighted not only academic excellence but also the power of cultural understanding, Dr. Enrico Gloria delivered his commencement speech entirely in Mandarin before graduates, professors, university officials, and guests at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The milestone took place during the university’s commencement exercises on June 26, 2026, where Dr. Gloria officially received his Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. His selection as the international student speaker carried particular significance, as the School of Social Sciences hosts a large and diverse international student population, with foreign students making up approximately 30 to 40 percent of its enrollment. Being chosen from among scholars representing numerous countries reflected the confidence the university placed in his academic achievements, leadership, and ability to communicate ideas that resonate across cultures.
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Standing before hundreds of graduates, Dr. Gloria used his speech not merely to celebrate academic success but to deliver a message centered on humanity, empathy, and shared responsibility. Speaking fluently in Mandarin, he introduced the Filipino concept of “kapwa,” a deeply rooted cultural value that emphasizes recognizing others as part of one’s shared identity and humanity. He connected this idea with the Chinese virtue of “rén,” which represents compassion, benevolence, and moral responsibility toward others.
By weaving together these two philosophical traditions, Dr. Gloria demonstrated that despite differences in language, history, or political systems, cultures often share common values that encourage kindness, understanding, and cooperation. His message encouraged graduates to look beyond borders and ideological differences while building relationships founded on respect, empathy, and meaningful human connection.
The speech drew attention not only because of its thoughtful message but also because it was delivered entirely in Mandarin—a remarkable achievement for someone who began his academic journey outside China. His fluency reflected years of dedication and perseverance in mastering the language while pursuing advanced studies in one of the country’s most competitive academic environments.
Dr. Gloria’s academic journey is a testament to years of hard work and continuous learning. Before pursuing his doctoral studies, he served as a faculty member of the Department of Political Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman from 2018 to 2022, where he taught and mentored students in political science. His experience as an educator further strengthened his academic foundation before returning to China to complete his doctoral degree.
His connection with Tsinghua University began years earlier when he completed his Master’s degree in Political Science there in 2018. Interestingly, his master’s program was conducted in English. However, instead of limiting himself to English-language instruction, Dr. Gloria immersed himself in learning Mandarin until he became proficient enough to complete his doctoral research in Chinese—a remarkable accomplishment considering the language’s complexity for non-native speakers.
Long before his graduate studies abroad, Dr. Gloria earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman, laying the groundwork for an academic career that would eventually bridge Philippine and Chinese political studies.
His journey illustrates how persistence, intellectual curiosity, and openness to new cultures can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. Mastering a foreign language while pursuing one of the world’s highest academic qualifications requires years of discipline, commitment, and resilience—qualities that have become evident throughout his educational path.
Following his graduation, Dr. Gloria has returned to the Philippines, where he is expected to resume teaching at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Beyond returning to the classroom, he hopes to contribute to the country’s growing understanding of China by helping establish a China Politics and Foreign Relations Research Program under the UP Diliman Department of Political Science.
The proposed program aims to strengthen research, graduate education, and scholarly discussions on China’s political system, foreign policy, and its evolving role in regional and global affairs. As relations between the Philippines and China continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of Asia, initiatives such as these could provide valuable academic perspectives that support informed policymaking and deeper public understanding.
His vision reflects the broader role that scholars play not only as educators but also as bridges between nations through research, dialogue, and knowledge exchange. Rather than viewing international education solely as a personal achievement, Dr. Gloria sees it as an opportunity to bring valuable expertise back home for the benefit of future generations of Filipino students and researchers.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz congratulated Dr. Gloria for his remarkable accomplishment, recognizing it as a proud moment for both the Filipino academic community and the Philippines as a whole. The ambassador underscored the value of educational exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding between countries, emphasizing that Filipino scholars studying abroad help build connections that extend beyond diplomacy and government relations.
The achievement also highlights the growing presence of Filipinos in prestigious international universities, where they continue to excel not only academically but also as representatives of Philippine culture and values. By delivering his speech in Mandarin while introducing the Filipino concept of “kapwa” to an international audience, Dr. Gloria demonstrated that cultural identity can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier in fostering dialogue among diverse communities.
His story stands as an inspiring reminder that education transcends borders and languages. It shows that excellence is measured not only by academic credentials but also by the ability to connect people through ideas, compassion, and mutual respect. As he begins the next chapter of his career back in the Philippines, Dr. Enrico Gloria’s achievement serves as a source of national pride and a powerful example of how Filipino scholars can make meaningful contributions on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in the values of their homeland. / aptikons