Embassy of France to sign pact with Alliance Française de Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota will visit Cebu City tomorrow to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Embassy of France in the Philippines and the Alliance Française de Cebu (AFC) language school and cultural center.

This signing ceremony will formally mark the AFC’s inclusion in the worldwide network of Alliance Francaise centers.

The signing will take place 10:30 a.m. at the AFC’s offices on the 2nd Floor of the QC Pavilion Building, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.The signing of the MOA signifies the important role of the AFC as a privileged partner of the Embassy, in terms of the promotion of French culture, language and education in Cebu City and the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

The AFC serves as the link between the embassy and the cities in these regions. It works in partnership not only with the embassy, but also with the “Alliance Française de Manille” (AFM), whose activities are dedicated to Manila and Luzon.

There are more than 1,000 “Alliance Française” cultural centers spread throughout the world.

Each Alliance has four objectives: to promote the French language, France, Europe and the 70 countries who are members of the French-speaking community, to encourage intellectual exchange and debate, to support Filipino artists and intellectuals, and to advise Filipino students who wish to study French culture and/or study in France.

Founded in November 2007 by Michel Lhuillier under the name “Les Amis de la France” (The Friends of France), it gained official recognition and the name “Alliance Française” in June 2009. With more than 1,000 students since its opening, AFC starts the year 2010 full of promises, as much in its cultural events as in its innovations in language teaching.Apart from the signing of the agreement, Ambassador Borja de Mozota will also visit some French businesses based in Cebu, as well as attend the Sinulog festival.

The ambassador will be accompanied by Mr. Christian Mérer, Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Ms. Marie Aurousseau, Academic exchanges attaché, Ms. Flora Geley, Cultural and Artistic Attaché, and Ms. Isabelle Epaillard, Scientific and Development Attaché.   (FREEMAN NEWS)