Hungarian envoy urges youth to read more
HUNGARIAN VIP Bicolano author Kristian Cordero (left) shares light moments with Hungarian Ambassador Jozsef Bencze (second from left) during the reception hosted by the author at his bookshop in Naga City on Dec. 12. Others in photo are David Ambrus, Hungarian Embassy deputy head of mission and Atty. John G. Bongat, ex-mayor of Naga City. Photo by Paulo DS. Papa
NAGA CITY--- Hungarian Ambassador Jozsef Bencze has urged young Bicolanos to spend more time reading books to enhance their cognitive, analytical and imaginative skills, instead of playing with their phones and online games.
Bencze shared this message to his audience during the reception hosted for him at the Savage Mind Bookshop by multi-awarded Bicolano author Kristian Cordero.
The Hungarian ambassador and his deputy head of mission in the Philippines, David Ambrus, visited the city last week for various meetings and engagements. Included in his itinerary were cultural engagements with Ateneo de Naga University and Universidad de Santa Isabel. He also met with officials of various groups like the city government of Naga, Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rotary Club of Naga, JCI Carinosa, and Naga City Police Office (NCPO).
According to Cordero, the envoy came over for the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Ateneo de Naga University and the Embassy of Hungary for the production of an anthology of classical and contemporary poetry in Hungarian available in Filipino and Bicol. The embassy has agreed to provide some financial assistance, which will provide for the printing and the modest honorarium for the translators, editors, artist, and book designer that will be involved in the project
In an interview with Bencze, he said the young should read more and the Bicolanos should nourish their own vernacular and history.
He said that under the MOA, the Ateneo De Naga University Press will translate 27 Hungarian literary works. Bencze added that his embassy has established cooperation with various local government units in the country to implement inter-organizational works including free scholarship project in Hungary and better production of agricultural products.
He said besides strong diplomatic relationship between Hungary and the Philippines, the embassy aims to assist the country in terms of its economy, education, and technology.