by Rommel Q. Pascua

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and Gifu University took a significant step forward in strengthening their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Japan today, July 20. The agreement aims to promote international academic activities and enhance the process of internationalization in both institutions. 

MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and Gifu University President Dr. Kazuhiro Yoshida signed the MOU, which allows for various cooperative activities between the two universities, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, participation in internationally funded initiatives, development of standard courses, organization of conferences and seminars, and more. The MOU also encompasses exchange of academic information, materials, and programs.

Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, President of Mariano Marcos State University, expressed her enthusiasm about the expanded partnership with Gifu University. "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with GIFU University. We look forward to fostering a fruitful and enduring relationship that will deeply enrich the academic and sociocultural experiences of our respective constituencies.", she said.

This latest development builds upon a prior agreement reached in 2018, in which MMSU and Gifu University embarked on collaborative efforts to facilitate international exchange programs, providing opportunities for faculty, personnel, and students from both universities to pursue graduate and undergraduate studies in each other's institutions.

The MOU signing at  Gifu University is part of the week-long business trip of MMSU officials in Japan, which also includes engagements in Shizuoka University, Seirei Christopher University, Ashikaga University, and the Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University for partnership meetings and signing of MOUs. The MMSU delegation is headed by Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, together with Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, director for internationalization, linkages, and partnerships; and Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino, director for planning. 

Also part of the delegation are Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, the dean of the College of Teacher Education; Prof. Philistia Mercuria Bagayas, principal of the University Laboratory Schools; Dr. Romelyn Lagura from the Elementary Education Department and Dr. Rhian Jay Ramil from the Department of Pharmacy. (HLY, StratCom)