- Leaders of Bulacan and NAPC heightened ties with Russia with the visit of Ambassador Marat Pavlov in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory Over Fascism at Barasoain Church.
- The collaboration is targeting education exchange, investment, and public-private partnerships, with BulSU looking forward to Russian aid for its new campus and flight programs.
- The project is in line with ASEAN-Russia objectives and preparations for the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Russia diplomatic relations in 2026 to promote tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and other sectors in Bulacan are intensifying efforts in forging closer relationships with the Russian Federation, specifically in education and investment.
This newly formed cooperation came at the focal point of recent visits by Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov at the City of Malolos, leading the commemoration for the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory Over Fascism during the Second World War hosted at the Barasoain Church. NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III, who joined the ambassador, stressed that this historic remembrance must challenge Bulakenyos to turn previous triumphs into tangible gains, especially through the attainment of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He stated the fortification of Philippine-Russia relations, particularly in a progressive province such as Bulacan, provides a firm foundation for further cooperation on trade, education, and socio-cultural projects. Santos also quoted the 2017 Philippines-Russia Dialogue, which puts priority on collaborative projects in science and technology, agriculture, energy, transport, education, culture, and sports.
The NAPC official also emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Russia dialogue partnership, which seeks to enhance investment flows between the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN member states.
Ambassador Pavlov reiterated that the initiatives are under the larger planning for the celebration of the 50th year of the foundation of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Russia in 2026, marking the beginning of meaningful cooperation between the two countries. In addition to SDG 4 on quality education, Ambassador Pavlov welcomed Bulacan State University (BulSU) to have academic collaborations and exchange programs with Moscow and Vladivostok universities. BulSU President Teody San Andres was warm to the invitation, showing interest in enticing Russian investments for BulSU's 25-hectare Malolos annex campus.
The area is available for public-private partnership, he added, and Russian expertise could complement the strengthening of aviation-related programs as required under the university's new charter or the Republic Act 11980. For his part, Pavlov expressed hope for increasing air linkages between Russia and the Philippines, particularly after the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan goes into operation, which is expected to spur tourism and business ties between the two nations. Rommel Santiago, City of Malolos officer-in-charge of the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Sports Office, recommended exploring a sister-city arrangement between Malolos and major Russian cities to promote further cultural and tourism exchanges.
