Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., joined the 2025 China (Guangxi)-ASEAN Conference on Vocational Education Cooperation and Development held in Nanning, China on September 15-17 to further strengthen the university’s international engagements in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

MMSU is the sole participating institution from the Philippines representing the country at the conference that gathered 320 participants from 170 colleges and universities across China and Southeast Asian countries.

The conference highlighted key goals such as enhancing workforce competencies, promoting sustainable growth, and aligning education systems with ongoing digital and green transformations. It served as a platform for dialogue, sharing of best practices, teacher exchanges, and practical collaboration to reinforce talent cultivation and capacity building across the region.

Discussions addressed the readiness of vocational institutions to meet the demands of the industry and artificial intelligence economy. Participating educators and experts presented insights on how AI is reshaping industries, redefining required graduate competencies, and transforming learning environments.

During the conference, MMSU successfully initiated potential collaborations with international universities from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand, and Indonesia. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for each partnership are currently being prepared.

One of the key highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Mariano Marcos State University and Guangxi Health Science College (GXHSC), represented by Dr. Manzano and GXHSC President Yang Xiaobo. The agreement formalizes the joint establishment of the China-Philippines Institute of Modern Craftsmanship in Household Service, which will offer the first transnational higher education (TNHE) program in this field.

Under the MoA, both institutions will jointly launch a Bachelor of Homecare Services (BHS) program by July 2026. The requirements are currently under review for approval by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The program will initially admit forty-five (45) qualified scholars annually for a period of four years. Each scholar will complete 2.5 years of academic coursework at MMSU and spend 1.5 years in GXHSC for three semesters or the equivalent of 1,000 hours of academic instruction, practical training, and internship in household services.

As part of the scholarship package, students will receive round-trip airfare, free tuition, and accommodation. Upon completion, graduates will be awarded certificates issued by both MMSU and GXHSC.

Moreover, a key infrastructure component of the program is the establishment of a practice house at the MMSU College of Industrial Technology, Paoay Campus. This facility will be created through the refurbishment of existing structures and the installation of modern learning equipment, with funding support from the Chinese Government.

PJM expressed his deep gratitude to GXHSC and the Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for the opportunity to collaborate on programs designed to empower people and transform lives. He commended GXHSC’s state-of-the-art facilities, describing them as truly inspiring and worth replicating at MMSU.

“The future of international cooperation is in our hands. Education is not about competition among universities, but about co-creation and collaboration for a brighter future. Universities are unique spaces where boundaries can be pushed. We SUCCEED at what we prioritize,” PJM emphasized.

This partnership builds on earlier collaborative exchanges, notably the July 9–10 forum and dialogue between MMSU and GXHSC, also following the latter’s initial visit to MMSU in 2024.

Joining PJM at the conference were Prof. Robert Salvador of the College of Industrial Technology and Engr. Vladimir Ibañez, Director of the Information Technology Center (ITC), both of whom are actively engaged in the university’s ongoing initiatives to modernize and internationalize vocational education programs.

On the GXHSC side, the delegation was composed of distinguished leaders, including Vice President Wu Junduan, Director of Academic Affairs You Kun, Dean of the College of Vocational Skills Liang Chunxian, Dean of the School of Medical Medicine Deng Yuanyung, Dean of the School of Pharmacy Huan Xinbi, Vice Dean of the School of Nursing Wang Tao, Vice Dean of the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xiong Zhanglong, and Chief of International Exchange and Cooperation Lu Haiman.

Hosting the MMSU delegation is Nung Yunduan, member of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, to whom they extended their appreciation.

The event underscored MMSU's active role in international partnerships, affirming its commitment to future-ready education anchored on innovation, skills development, and regional cooperation.

Engr. Vladimir Ibañez

#MMSU #SUCCEEDMMSU