A new academic institution in Fujian Province, China, has been named in honor of Soledad Roa Duterte, the late mother of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, recognizing her contributions to education and social service.
The Soledad College of Fujian Normal University, built through the Philippine Friendship Fund, was officially inaugurated after five years of construction. The five-story building—formally known as the Soledad Roa Duterte Memorial Building—serves as both an educational hub and a cultural bridge between the Philippines and China.
The college aims to foster academic cooperation by offering scholarships and research opportunities for Filipino students pursuing higher education in China. With China’s continued advancements in science and technology, the institution is expected to open more pathways for Filipino scholars, further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Soledad Roa Duterte, fondly remembered as “Nanay Soling,” was a teacher in Davao City’s Chinese schools before becoming a well-known civic leader and social activist. She played a key role in mobilizing grassroots movements in Mindanao during the Martial Law years under then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Despite being offered a political appointment by President Corazon Aquino after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, she declined the position, choosing to remain focused on community service.
Her son, Rodrigo Duterte, later accepted an appointment as OIC Vice Mayor of Davao City in 1986, marking the beginning of his long political career.
Beyond its historical connections, the establishment of Soledad College underscores how education continues to be a vital instrument in diplomacy. By honoring a Filipino educator and activist, the Chinese government highlights its recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to learning and social development.
As the Philippines and China continue to navigate complex political relations, the Soledad College of Fujian Normal University stands as a lasting testament to how shared values in education, knowledge, and cultural understanding can transcend political boundaries.