By Bryan R. Realgo, StratCom Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), University of Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA (UMAMKA), and Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (UNDIKSHA) in Indonesia have renewed their collaboration to implement an international credit transfer program this semester. The program is now in its second year. 

Over 30 MMSU Bachelor of Arts in Communication students will enroll in journalism and broadcasting classes at UHAMKA, while 64 UHAMKA students will register in MMSU. 20 BS Computer Science and 18 BS Information Technology students will enroll in a computer networks subject at the Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (UNDIKSHA). 

CAS faculty will also hold classes for students in UHAMKA and UNDIKSHA. Dr. Editha B. Valdez and Mr. Bryan R. Realgo, communication faculty members, will teach journalism and multimedia broadcasting at UHAMKA, respectively. Meanwhile, Prof. Norman Alano will teach Computer Networks at UNDIKSHA.

Dr. Marivic Alimbuyuguen, college dean, said the partnership fulfills one of MMSU's 7-point agenda: external linkages and partnership goals. "I hope we will be able to sustain the partnership, explore other programs, and engage in research and community engagement,” she added. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis noted the importance of strengthening international collaboration in achieving MMSU's vision to become a premier university. 

Sharing her excitement to join the program, Laura Ashley Tapia, a sophomore communication student, said, "it will surely expand our knowledge, especially that instruction will be contextualized in diverse communication environments.” 

The ITCP will run in the first semester of the academic year 2022 – 2023. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)