By Michael Visaya

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), through the Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership Office (ILP), has officially launched its internationalization programs on September 5, marking a major step in strengthening global linkages and fostering academic collaborations with institutions abroad.

Held virtually, the event launched three internationalization programs, which include the Professional Education Lectures with Florida Gulf Coast University, USA, which will allow faculty and students to learn directly from international lecturers; a collaboration between the BSE English Program and the Universitas Potensi Utama in Indonesia in joint academic lectures; and the International Aramid Project Pitching, which will give student organizations and clubs the opportunity to showcase their programs and initiatives on the international stage.

Meanwhile, the MOUs signed include partnerships with universities and organizations across Asia, namely AFS Intercultural Programs, Philippines; Universitas Potensi Utama, Indonesia; and Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. Philippines.

These agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in areas such as joint research, exchange programs, curriculum development, and capacity-building initiatives.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., emphasized that the initiative is a milestone in advancing the university’s vision of becoming a premier Philippine university, highlighting that internationalization will provide students and faculty with wider opportunities for learning, research, and cultural exchange.

"The launch of these programs and the signing of these agreements create new opportunities for our academic community. Through collaborative research, faculty and student mobility, and shared innovations, we are preparing our graduates to be globally competitive," Dr. Manzano said.

Joining the virtual launching and MOU signing were Prof. Dr. Nursyah Handayani, Director of International Relations, Universitas Potensi Utama; Hannah Salugsugan and Rahiema Bagis Guerra, newly installed and outgoing National Director of the AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines; Marivet Caballero, University President and Jack Robin A. Lacerna, Director, Internationalization and External Linkages of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc.; Zachary Espino, Executive Administrative Officer of East-West Center Hawaii; and Theresa Byrne-Knell of Florida Gulf Coast University, USA.

Representatives from the partner institutions expressed their optimism and pledged their support to said collaboration, citing MMSU’s strong reputation in research, innovation, and community engagement as a foundation for fruitful partnerships.

With this development, MMSU, through the Office of Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership headed by Director Jeanette Dials and International Programs Chief Dr. Mark Joseph Pastor, reaffirms its commitment to building a global academic network, enriching its academic programs, and producing graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to both local and international arenas.