By Jesslyn Keith Valite 

The University of the East (UE) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) officially started an academic partnership on June 9, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UE Manila. The agreement aims to promote academic exchange and collaboration between the two universities.

The signing was led by MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. and UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad. Their professional relationship began years ago at Pampanga State Agricultural University, where Dr. Manzano was an instructor and Dr. Battad served as his mentor.

Also present at the ceremony were MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, MMSU Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Meejay Domingo, and UE Director for International Affairs and External Linkages Darwin Guianan.

The MoU outlines plans for student and faculty exchanges, joint research, new course development, and resource sharing. It also supports the conduct of seminars, workshops, and joint publications.

“This partnership will help both our institutions develop new ideas and raise academic quality,” said Dr. Manzano. He added that UE and MMSU can share best practices that will help improve services in both institutions.

UE and MMSU have committed to work together on these efforts over the next five years.