MMSU hosts GXHSC study tour under China–Ph academic partnership
Officials and students of Guangxi Health Science College (GXHSC), China, were welcomed by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. during the opening program of their Study Tour, held at the Center for Flexible Learning (CFL) on January 13.
The delegation’s visit aims to deepen institutional collaboration, particularly in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and to support the joint establishment of the China–Philippines Institute of Modern Craftsmanship in Household Service. This initiative will serve as the platform for the first transnational higher education (TNHE) program jointly offered by China and the Philippines in this field.
The study tour forms part of the continuing academic partnership between MMSU and GXHSC, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and GXHSC President Yang Xiaobo during the 2025 China (Guangxi)–ASEAN Conference on Vocational Education Cooperation and Development, held in Nanning, China on September 15–17.
The GXHSC delegation was composed of 10 sophomore students specializing in Modern Housekeeping Service and Management, Smart Health Elderly Care Services and Management, Infant Care Services and Management, Nursing, and Midwifery. The group was led by Long Yuhui, Deputy Director for the Academic Affairs Office and the Office of University–Enterprise Cooperation; Qiu Xuezhen, Director for Modern Housekeeping Service and Management Courses; Huang Qiuhui, Director for the Community Nursing Teaching and Research Section; and Ms. Nong Yunduan, Liaison Officer and Translator from the International Exchange and Cooperation Center.
Their tour, scheduled from January 12 to 23, 2026, will include a clinical visit and tour of Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC), as well as visits to Shekinah Homes, Balay Taripato, and Camaquin Integrated School. The itinerary also includes academic engagements with their partner colleges at MMSU, namely the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Teacher Education (CTE), and College of Medicine (COM).
Under the partnership, MMSU and GXHSC are preparing to jointly launch a Bachelor in Homecare Services Technology (BHST) program by July 2026.
This collaboration builds on earlier academic exchanges initiated during the term of the 7th MMSU President, now CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. In June 2024, five MMSU faculty members visited China to begin in-depth academic and institutional discussions, followed by another faculty visit in November 2024. In September 2025, President Manzano and MMSU faculty returned to China, and in December 2025, further faculty engagements strengthened academic alignment. These exchanges collectively transformed the partnership from formal agreement to active implementation.
In his message, President Manzano underscored the significance of the collaboration, noting that the BHST program is a pioneering transnational initiative and the first of its kind in both countries. “This reflects our firm commitment to continuously raise the standards of our curricular offerings at MMSU. We are recognized producers of world-class healthcare professionals, and we intend to build on this strength,” he said.
Ms. Nong Yunduan, on behalf of the delegation, expressed appreciation to MMSU for its sustained support of programs that enhance quality of life through international and transnational education. “We hope that this partnership will continue to grow, allowing more Chinese and Filipino students to benefit from this program,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mayla Veronica Madrigal, Chair of the Technical Working Committee for the Guangxi Health Science College Collaboration, stressed the dedication of the Technical Working Groups. She emphasized that the study tour and ongoing dialogue have fostered not only curriculum development, but also mutual trust, professional respect, and genuine international collaboration.
The study tour marks another breakthrough in MMSU’s expanding internationalization efforts, reinforcing its commitment to globally responsive education and meaningful cross-border collaboration that advances academic excellence, workforce development, and shared social responsibility between the Philippines and China. (𝘔𝘔𝘝)
Jan, 14, 2026 08:40:am
Written By:
STRATCOM
Other News
MMSU presents CHED-funded SDG mapping research at Higher Education Summit
Former COA Commissioner Heidi Mendoza inspires MMSU Accountancy students
DOST assesses MMSU’s readiness to develop and operate its KIST Park
MMSU-CCIS marks 3rd foundation anniversary
AACCUP recognizes MMSU for highest number of retained Level IV re-accredited programs nationwide