Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
A long-envisioned facility intended to support international students and strengthen global academic partnerships moved closer to completion as Central Mindanao University (CMU) held a blessing ceremony for the continuing construction of its Foreign Student Dormitory on May 26.
The project is expected to enhance CMU’s internationalization efforts by providing improved accommodation services for foreign students, visiting researchers, faculty members, and international academic guests.
In her welcome message, Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of the Office of International Relations underscored the importance of the dormitory in strengthening international friendship, intercultural understanding, and academic collaboration as CMU continues to expand its global engagements.
In his inspirational message, CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe said the project reflects the university’s long-term commitment to internationalization and ASEAN integration.
“This is part of our commitment to internationalization,” Dr. Eballe said, noting that CMU continues to send students and faculty members abroad through exchange programs and international partnerships.
He emphasized the principle of reciprocity in international collaborations, noting that partner universities abroad often provide free dormitory accommodations and tuition assistance to CMU students during exchange programs.
“Dili man pwede nga magpa libre ta didto unya pag-abot nila diri pabayron nato sila tanan…” (We cannot expect to receive free accommodation and support abroad while charging all expenses to international students when they come here), he said.
Dr. Eballe added that the university must continue improving its facilities as CMU aspires to become a globally recognized research university actively participating in ASEAN integration and international academic exchanges.
The dormitory project was included among the university’s priority infrastructure initiatives under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), receiving an initial funding allocation of Php10 million. However, university officials clarified that the amount will only partially complete the structure, with additional funding expected in succeeding years.
According to the project overview presented by Engr. Richard J. Aquino, Director of the Office of University Planning and Development, the Foreign Student Dormitory has an estimated total development cost of Php30 million and is designed to support foreign graduate and undergraduate students, visiting researchers, faculty members, and short-term international guests.
Engr. Aquino explained that the project evolved from a standard dormitory concept into a more culturally responsive facility that incorporates internationally adaptive features such as prayer rooms, squat-type toilets, common interaction spaces, and improved room configurations to better accommodate international students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, in his closing remarks, described the dormitory as a significant support facility for CMU’s expanding internationalization engagements.
He noted that one of the challenges in attracting inbound international students and faculty members has been the lack of dedicated facilities that can adequately support their accommodation and cultural needs.
“In fact, for other ASEAN countries, their requirement is naa bay dorm? And naa bay provision for the squat-type nga CR, and even prayer room” (“In fact, for other ASEAN countries, they ask whether there is a dormitory, provisions for squat-type comfort rooms, and even prayer rooms”), Dr. Valmorida said.
Engr. Aquino also noted that the project traces its origins back to 2016 during the administration of former CMU President Maria Luisa Soliven, when initial funding support amounting to Php2 million was secured. The initiative later gained renewed institutional backing under the current administration of President Eballe.
The blessing ceremony was officiated by Fr. Biven Belderol and attended by members of the Administrative Council, Project Implementing Unit, OPRI staff, and stakeholders.
Once completed, the Foreign Student Dormitory is expected to enhance student mobility, strengthen cultural exchange, and further position CMU as a globally connected and internationally competitive university. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with reports from Mary Jane D. Bravo]
