Filipino students who aspire to be diplomats, lawmakers, public servants and catalysts for change recently participated in a two-week study visit in Germany, which cultivated their appreciation for diversity and gave them a new perspective on the essence of diplomacy and governance.

In collaboration with Städtetag Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg Association of Cities), and organized by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, the international immersion aims to educate the group on the political, economic, and cultural aspects of life in this cosmopolitan country nestled in the heart of Europe.

Catherine Dee Samaniego, Benilde consular and diplomatic affairs/diplomacy and international affairs chairperson, and faculty adviser Shiela Mae Sabalburo led the 20-student delegation during their stops in Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Freiberg am Neckar, Esslingen, Heidelberg, Bietigheim-Bissingen, and even Strasbourg in France.

“The program has bridged our understanding of the uniqueness of the Philippines and Germany. It also magnified our collective aspirations for a more peaceful, just, and humane society,” Samaniego noted.

“We hope that our students’ experiences in joining this study visit would encourage others to view ‘travel’ as something more than just another stamp on their passports, but as a pleasant reminder that there is so much more to discover about the world,” she added.

The participants had a formal encounter with the city administration officials of Ludwigsburg. They learned more on the city’s governance model, urban development priorities, and approaches to citizen engagement and transparency. They likewise immersed in a guided tour of the baroque-style Ludwigsburg Palace.

The team visited the Social Democratic Party’s office where they met Nicolas Fink, a member of parliament who shed light on the interaction between state and municipal governance.

The Baden-Württemberg Association of Cities hosted a workshop, which covered topics such as the fundamentals of Germany’s federal political system, digitalization in local government, and collaboration among public institutions and their constituents.

A visit to the Stuttgart City Council included an introduction to the structure, function, and key responsibilities of the decision-making body. Lucia Schanbacher, a council member and a communications expert, shared her valuable insights. She in a dedicated of climate-friendly infrastructure and fair access to mobility and housing.

In Stuttgart, experts showed them how the city integrates environmental responsibility into urban planning and public infrastructure. Green mobility, energy-efficient architecture, and community engagement were likewise tackled during the tour.

The students also dropped by the Stuttgart City Library, University of Public Administration and Finance Ludwigsburg, and Villa Reitzenstein.

Heidelberg was another cultural highlight. Surrounded by the city’s rich academic heritage, cobblestone streets, and scenic riverside setting, the team explored university town’s historic center and idyllic castle complex.

The delegation paid a visit to Esslingen for the Schwörfest. a celebration. This vibrant celebration deeply rooted in local democratic tradition was an authentic experience of community life, volunteerism, and cultural identity in southern Germany.

Jan Hambach, mayor of Freiberg am Neckar, welcomed the group with a talk on leadership, community work, and the future of small and medium-sized cities.