Study Abroad PH consortium welcomes MMSU
By Jeremy Pascual
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has officially joined the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as Fulbright Philippines, on March 24 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has officially joined the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as Fulbright Philippines, on March 24 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, International Linkages Program (ILP) Director Jeanette Dials, and Chief of International Programs Mark Joseph Pastor represented MMSU at the Higher Education Partnership signing ceremony. This reflects the university’s focus on international efforts and strengthening academic collaborations, as it is home to several Fulbrighters.
“This partnership shows MMSU’s commitment to connecting with the world and gives our students and employees more chances to take part in international academic exchanges,” Dr. Cajigal said.
The MOU stems from MMSU’s sustained engagement with PAEF through capacity-building initiatives. Notably, Dials and Pastor previously participated in two PAEF-sponsored workshops that helped lay the groundwork for the university’s inclusion in the CSAP network.
In line with these efforts, discussions during the ILP Convergence on December 3 encouraged all MMSU colleges to develop and submit short-term international program proposals. Building on this momentum, two short-term programs were later launched under the Program for Joint Academic Collaboration, further strengthening the university’s readiness to host international students and academic exchanges.
Through its inclusion in CSAP, MMSU joins a network of higher education institutions committed to enhancing and standardizing the hosting of international scholars, particularly from the United States. The initiative aims to position the Philippines as a premier destination for study abroad programs in the Indo-Pacific region while promoting academic exchange, cultural immersion, and collaborative research.
The ceremony brought together representatives from 19 participating institutions, reflecting a collective commitment to strengthening the country’s global presence in higher education.
In addition to the MOU signing, the MMSU delegation attended the 78th Founding Anniversary of PAEF, themed “78 years of building bridges through education and exchange.” The commemorative reception gathered partners, alumni, scholars, and stakeholders who continue to shape the foundation’s enduring legacy.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including First Lady Louise Araneta - Marcos, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Y. Robert Ewing, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar Consing.
The event celebrated the partnership between the Philippines and the United States through the Fulbright Program, which helps people understand each other better and share knowledge. This supports MMSU's goal of working more internationally and gives students, faculty, and researchers more chances to join global programs.
Apr, 07, 2026 11:34:am
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