Twenty Filipino students aspiring to become diplomats, lawmakers, and public servants completed a two-week educational visit to Germany, gaining a deeper understanding of diplomacy, governance, and cultural diversity.
The international immersion, organized by the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) in partnership with Städtetag Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg Association of Cities), aimed to expose participants to the political, economic, and cultural aspects of life in one of Europe’s leading nations.
Led by Catherine Dee Samaniego, chairperson of Benilde’s Consular and Diplomatic Affairs/Diplomacy and International Affairs (CDA/DIA) program, and faculty adviser Shiela Mae Sabalburo, the group visited Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Freiberg am Neckar, Esslingen, Heidelberg, Bietigheim-Bissingen, and Strasbourg in France.
“The program bridged our understanding of the uniqueness of the Philippines and Germany,” Samaniego said. “It magnified our collective aspirations for a more peaceful, just, and humane society.”
During the trip, the delegation met city administration officials in Ludwigsburg to learn about governance models, urban development, and citizen engagement. They also toured the baroque-style Ludwigsburg Palace and visited the office of Nicolas Fink, a Social Democratic Party member of parliament, who discussed the interaction between state and municipal governments.
The Baden-Württemberg Association of Cities hosted a workshop on Germany’s federal system, digitalization in local government, and collaboration among public institutions. At the Stuttgart City Council, members introduced the group to the council’s structure and functions.
Council member Lucia Schanbacher, a communications expert, spoke about climate-friendly infrastructure and equitable access to mobility and housing. Experts in Stuttgart also presented sustainable urban planning initiatives focused on green mobility, energy efficiency, and community engagement.
The group toured key sites, including the Stuttgart City Library, the University of Public Administration and Finance Ludwigsburg, and Villa Reitzenstein. In Heidelberg, students explored the historic university town and castle complex.
In Esslingen, they took part in the Schwörfest celebration, a centuries-old democratic tradition that showcased local community life and volunteerism. In Freiberg am Neckar, Mayor Jan Hambach shared insights on leadership and the development of small and medium-sized cities.
The program also included a side trip to Strasbourg, France, where students visited the European Parliament and explored the city’s cathedral and old town, experiencing its blend of French and German influences.
