Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) has been chosen as one of thirty Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines to participate in the prestigious project “Leading Internationalization: Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Canada-Philippine Linkages.” This initiative, spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), is supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada under the Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope.
The program aims to enhance the internationalization capacity of Philippine universities by equipping administrators with leadership skills, cultural competence, and strategic tools for meaningful global engagement, particularly with Canadian institutions. Representing CMU in the online training held from February 9–27, 2026, were Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director, Office of International Relations; and Ms. Janniefe B. Balacase, OIR staff.
Dr. Dadang further represented CMU during the in-person training at Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila, on March 2–6, 2026. Guided by CBIE mentors Dr. Sonja Knutson, Chelsey Laird, Melissa Toupin Laforge, and Yazrina Yahya, participants explored topics on global engagement, emerging perspectives in internationalization, leadership competencies, and institutional capacity building.
Adding momentum to the initiative, the Alberta Bureau of International Education (ABIE) hosted a forum titled “Building Bridges in Higher Education: Canada-Philippine Partnership,” held on March 02, 2026. CMU engaged in initial discussions with several Canadian institutions, including the University of Windsor, North Alberta Institute of Technology, New Brunswick Community College, Niagara College, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Assiniboine College, York University, and the University of British Columbia.
With these promising connections, CMU looks forward to establishing academic linkages and research collaborations with Canadian universities, further strengthening its role as a globally engaged institution.
