By Niña Christelle Sumintac, Stratcom Correspondent

To further intensify international collaboration, school officials from Seirei Christopher University (SCU) visited the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) today, March 12.

The SCU delegation is composed of Professor Masako Ota, dean of the School of International Education, Associate Professor Takayoki Ninomiya of the School of Social Work, and  Assistant Professor Morten J. Vatn, IBEC program coordinator and assistant head of Seirei Christopher Elementary School.

During the welcome meeting, both institutions discussed the enrichment of the MMSU Center for Inclusive Early Education, Special Needs Education Laboratory School, Exchange Programs for Faculty and Students, Training on the International Baccalaureate Program, and Exchange of Lectures for Senior High School Students. SCU and MMSU also explored the potential implementation of the IB Program for the Laboratory Elementary and High School.

Furthermore, the visit focused on building stronger partnerships through academic and cultural exchange or immersions of faculty and students and international credit transfer programs.

Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, dean of the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE), emphasized the significance of such collaborations in advancing the quality of education of both institutions. "These exchanges serve as a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education," he said.

After the welcome meeting, the SCU delegation paid a courtesy call to MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis. “Through the partnership of SCU and MMSU, we will be able to strengthen early childhood and kindergarten in the university,” Dr. Agrupis remarked as she welcomed the valued visitors.

Dr. Agrupis also presented the current status of early childhood education in various municipalities in Ilocos Norte. A trifocal consortium, a joint offering of public and private institutions, was proposed to address the challenges of early childhood education in the Philippines.

Also present during the visit were Prof. Philistia Mercuria Bagayas, ULS principal; Dr. Estrella Pacis, college secretary; Dr. Romelyn Lagura, CTEx chief; Dr. Bert Gamiao, instructional materials development chief; Dr. Edrian Saraos of the secondary education department; Dr. Gerry Abad of the elementary education department; Prof. Johnson Blanco of the technical-vocational and livelihood education department; Dr. Jovenita Aragon of the early childhood and special needs education department; Dr. Nariza Tamayo of the human movement and arts education department; Dr. Imelda Najorda, CTE extension coordinator; Prof. John Paul Vallente, CTE research coordinator; Dr. Gina Sylvia Gaoat, CTE student affairs and services coordinator; and Dr. Edelyn Asuncion, field study coordinator. (MKA_StratCom)