Facilitated by the Office of Library Services, the agreement allows faculty, staff, and students of both universities to access each other’s library resources and services. It also covers the exchange of publications such as newsletters and other academic materials between the two institutions.

“This MOA binds our commitment to inspiring learning, nurturing innovation, and empowering our academic communities through accessible, collaborative, and future-ready library services,” Ms. Prinyl P. Austral, Director of the Office of Library Services, said.

CMU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose S. Valmorida described the MOA as a clear expression of both universities’ commitment to expanding academic opportunities.

“We joined together today so that we can create better learning experiences, strengthen our institutions, and open more opportunities for our students, faculty, and the academic community,” Dr. Valmorida said in his welcome message.

CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe and SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte echoed this sentiment, describing the agreement as a collaboration that reflects their shared commitment to advancing the quality of higher education.

“This collaboration reflects our shared understanding that higher education institutions grow stronger when they work together through cooperative initiatives, staff development, and knowledge exchange that reinforce our common goal of delivering relevant, inclusive, and quality education,” Dr. Duarte said.

Dr. Eballe added that the partnership demonstrates how higher education thrives through collaboration.

“By working together, exchanging publications, supporting professional development, and sharing the responsible use of our resources, we demonstrate that higher education thrives when institutions collaborate rather than work in isolation,” he said.

Both institutions are set to meet in the coming months to lay out specific plans and activities for the implementation of the MOA. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]

Held from July 25 to August 4, 2025, the program gathered 30 postgraduate students and healthcare professionals from across Asia for an intensive 10-day immersion into Taiwan’s healthcare system. Spearheaded by Dr. Hsiao-Chi Chuang of TMU, the camp featured academic sessions, clinical workshops, site visits, and cultural activities.

Participants explored diverse topics such as pulmonology and long-term care, biotechnology, DNA sequencing and CRISPR gene-editing, AI applications in medicine, and the development of smart medical devices. These sessions highlighted Taiwan’s innovations in health sciences and offered valuable insights into community-based models of care, particularly for aging populations.

For CMU, Ms. Cuevas’ participation marks a significant step in international engagement and academic collaboration. By bringing home knowledge from TMU’s approaches in advanced medical education and healthcare delivery, she is expected to contribute to the enhancement of CMU’s curriculum, research directions, and extension services. This aligns with the university’s vision of preparing globally competent graduates and strengthening partnerships with international institutions.

Apart from the academic training, Ms. Cuevas also joined cultural immersions, including visits to the Maokong Gondola, Tamsui Old Street, Taipei Zoo, and the National Palace Museum, which deepened her appreciation of Taiwan’s cultural context concerning healthcare.

The camp concluded with participants presenting reflections and proposals for future collaboration. This created opportunities for faculty and student exchange programs, joint research projects, and strengthened international linkages, especially in the fields of nutrition, clinical practice, and public health.

Through Ms. Cuevas’ attendance, CMU reinforces its commitment to becoming a globally engaged research university. The partnership with TMU not only broadens the university’s academic horizons but also positions CMU as an active contributor to knowledge exchange and innovation in Asia.

Funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and led by TMU’s College of Medicine, the program demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration in advancing healthcare education. For CMU, this milestone reinforces its commitment to building strong global networks while ensuring that international opportunities translate into tangible benefits for Mindanao and the Philippines. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero with information from Ms. Dawn Fatima S. Cuevas]

Dr. Gio Vincent A. Balansag, a recent graduate of CMU’s PhD Biology (Systematics) program, earned the award for his research titled “Morpho-Taxonomy and Ecology of Mosses in Selected Mountains in Mindanao.” His work was recognized for its scientific merit, clarity, and relevance among a strong field of participants from eight countries—China, Taiwan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, and Thailand. He was joined in Mongolia by his adviser, University Professor Emeritus Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, and Professor Fulgent P. Coritico of the Plant Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences.

“I never imagined achieving this, especially alongside so many brilliant researchers from eight countries… I am deeply thankful to Central Mindanao University for serving as a training ground for dreamers like me. Above all, I praise God Almighty for His sustenance and strength,” Dr. Balansag said.

He also expressed gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, and family, crediting their guidance and support as instrumental to his achievement.

The IES, organized annually by the Korean Long Term Ecological Research (KLTER) Network, provides immersive, field-based training for early-career ecologists in East Asia and the Pacific region, fostering cross-cultural collaboration to address pressing ecological challenges. This year’s program included Przewalski’s horse observation, vegetation and wildlife surveys in Hustai National Park, and cultural visits to the Chinggis Khaan Museum and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, with all expenses covered by the organizers.

Meanwhile, the Office of International Relations (OIR) Director, Dr. Raquelyn Dadang, praised Dr. Balansag’s success: “Dr. Balansag’s distinguished presence on the global stage brings great honor and pride to Central Mindanao University. His achievement stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and international engagement. May his success serve not only as a source of inspiration but also as a challenge to our Graduate and Undergraduate students—to pursue scholarly distinction, embrace global perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields.” 

Dr. Dadang also noted that CMU encourages student participation through its Student Mobility Program, which supports students and alumni in engaging with academic and research opportunities abroad.

This success reflects the university’s enduring impact in producing globally competitive graduates and supports its internationalization agenda—broadening global engagement, strengthening research networks, and promoting academic exchange. (Iyren Dalipe Neri with information from Dr. Gio Vincent A. Balansag, CMU Alumnus)

_{^{Photos from Dr. Gio Vincent A. Balansag}}

The ICGD, organized by the College of Public Affairs and Development of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (CPAf–UPLB), serves as a premier venue for academics, professionals, policymakers, and development practitioners to exchange ideas, share innovative practices, and forge partnerships for advancing good governance and societal progress.

This year’s theme, “Governance for Impact: Championing Global Citizenship and Empowering Communities,” highlighted the critical role of governance in fostering inclusive growth and building resilient communities. The event drew 230 participants from government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, and universities across various countries.

The conference opened with a Pre-Conference Workshop on “Introduction to Development Entrepreneurship: An Approach to Successful Policy Reform.” CMU faculty joined participants in exploring the Development Entrepreneurship framework—an innovative approach for designing and implementing policy reforms that deliver sustainable, real-world impact.

For two days, CMU faculty presented research and extension initiatives addressing critical challenges in agriculture and rural development:

Dr. Teddy E. Colipano presented “Improving the Knowledge of Farmers on Selected Agricultural Technologies and Farm Business Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bukidnon, Philippines,” outlining strategies that strengthened farmers’ resilience and productivity amid pandemic disruptions.

Prof. Sheila C. Poonon discussed “Central Mindanao University Technology Business Incubator: Mechanism for Advancing Agri-Aqua Start-ups and Community,” emphasizing CMU–TBI’s role in nurturing innovations and supporting agri-aqua enterprises for rural development.

Moreover, Dr. Hazel E. Soliven shared a poster presentation on “Evaluating the Adlai Value Chain in Bukidnon: Production, Marketing, and Opportunities for Growth,” highlighting Adlai’s potential as a sustainable crop with promising livelihood and market opportunities.

The participation of the Agribusiness faculty in the ICGD reinforced the university’s commitment to global knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and science-based solutions for community development. [Information from the Department of Agribusiness Management]

The MOU was signed by CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe and UGM Rector Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia during a solemn ceremony attended by academic leaders and stakeholders from both institutions. The agreement affirms a mutual commitment to foster bilateral academic and research cooperation under their respective Mutual Recognition Initiative (MRI) frameworks.

This collaboration aims to promote mutual growth and internationalization of both institutions through a wide array of academic and research initiatives. The scope of cooperation includes: Faculty and Staff Fellowship Exchanges, Student Exchange Programs, Joint International Seminars and Conferences, Collaborative Research and Publications, Joint Degree Programs and Curriculum Development, Quality Assurance and Best Practices Sharing, Sharing of Expertise, Facilities, and Laboratories, Exchange of Academic Resources, and Volunteerism and Community Service Initiatives.

These joint initiatives aim to enhance institutional capacities, promote cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to global knowledge-building.

The partnership identifies forestry, agriculture, and human ecology as initial areas for pilot engagements. Specific discussions are underway for:

Forestry initiatives led by Dr. George Puno, former CMU College of Forestry Dean, emphasizing climate-resilient forest systems and biodiversity studies;

Agriculture collaborations under Dr. Judith Intong, Dean of the College of Agriculture, particularly in sustainable farming technologies and agricultural innovation; and

Human ecology, particularly on functional foods and nutrition-based interventions, is led by Dr. Jose Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs of CMU.

In his message, President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe underscored the importance of translating the partnership into implementable activities: “Let us start with small, meaningful initiatives that can produce early wins and set the tone for a long-term relationship,” he urged, emphasizing CMU’s commitment to mobilize its academic community and synergize efforts with UGM’s global expertise and networks.

Meanwhile, the CMU delegation is scheduled to tour UGM’s laboratories and teaching factories today, August 7, to explore possible joint activities. Special thanks were extended to Prof. Jason Parlucha for his role in coordinating with both teams and facilitating the visit.

The MOU signifies a key milestone in CMU’s internationalization strategy, aligning with its vision of advancing innovation, inclusive education, and collaborative research across borders. (Information from Office of the President)

BCIEW was designed to celebrate and promote international education in British Columbia through a series of engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and B2B meetings. Likewise, the Philippine delegation’s participation in this year’s BCIEW mission aims to build collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and British Columbia. It deepens exploratory discussion towards mutually beneficial transnational higher education partnerships.  

After the 3-day BCIE event, CMU visited Universities and Colleges in Alberta, Canada.  The province is recognized as an academic hub for energy and environmental engineering, health sciences, agriculture and food sciences, business and economics, education, and policy studies.  

Promoting the international goals of CMU, Dr. Dadang proposed the following areas for partnerships:  

1. Development of Transnational Higher Education Programs
2. Student Mobility through Internships and Training
3. Faculty Exchange 
4. Collaborative Research

The participation of CMU in the two events is expected to seal a Memorandum of Understanding and/or Memorandum of Agreement with select institutions to foster international programs and activities. 

Dr. Rubie A. Arroyo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology, represented CMU at the XXVI International Conference of the Society for Human Ecology, held at the University of Mons, Belgium, from June 18–21, 2025. With the theme “Ecology, Politics, and Justice: Working Towards the Pluriverse,” the conference gathered interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners from around the world for interactive sessions and field technique workshops related to human ecology.

Dr. Arroyo joined the event through her affiliation with the Philippine Human Ecology Consortium, which includes CMU, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Marinduque State University (MarSU), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Palawan State University (PSU), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), and HUMEIN Philippines, Inc.

Moreover, Dr. Arroyo presented her paper, “Uplifting and Nurturing Livelihood Alternatives for Development in Selected Barangays in Bukidnon, Philippines,” which showcased CHE’s research, extension, and production programs. These initiatives focus on community-based livelihood support and partnerships with local government agencies in Bukidnon.

“Our presentation highlighted CMU’s commitment to research and instruction and also reflected how the College of Human Ecology actively nurtures inclusive and sustainable community development,” Dr. Arroyo emphasized.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arroyo also conducted exploratory meetings and benchmarking visits to the University of Twente in the Netherlands and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. These efforts serve as the groundwork for establishing formal linkages and partnerships between CMU and renowned European institutions.

“These engagements are relevant for positioning CMU as a globally connected University,” Dr. Arroyo added. “International collaboration enriches our academic programs and opens new opportunities for our faculty and students.”

CMU’s presentation, titled “Breaking the Waste Cycle: How Central Mindanao University Cut Waste from 30 Tons to 2 Tons,” captured the attention of delegates with its innovative and replicable model of waste reduction. The initiative showcased the university’s strategic interventions that dramatically decreased campus waste—from 30 tons to just 2 tons—through community participation, policy enforcement, and environmentally sound practices.

Representing CMU were Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Director of the Office of Environmental and Safety Management, and Dr. Julie Ann A. Orobia, Chairperson of the Language Education Department, who co-presented the paper. 

“Our participation was a humbling and enlightening experience,” said Dr. Bucayong. “It gave us the chance to reflect on our local efforts while also recognizing the broader challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a global academic community working toward sustainability.”

One of the major highlights of the workshop was the signing of the Declaration of Membership to the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking Network. Dr. Bucayong signed on behalf of University President Dr. Eballe, officially recognizing CMU as part of a global network of 1,477 universities working toward measurable, transparent, and impactful environmental actions.

In a statement, President Eballe emphasized the moral and institutional importance of CMU’s new role on the global sustainability stage:

“The formal acceptance of Central Mindanao University as a member of the UI GreenMetric Network is a significant achievement that affirms our shared dedication to transforming CMU into a clean and green university,” he said.

Moreover, President Eballe stressed that this milestone aligns with the administration’s goal of embedding sustainability into all aspects of the university. As stewards of the land, he believes the CMU community holds a moral obligation to safeguard the environment and ensure that future generations inherit a campus that is both intellectually and environmentally sound.

Through its membership, CMU gains access to benchmarking tools, policy dialogues, collaborative research, and capacity-building programs that will further enhance its sustainability efforts. [Iyren D. Neri with information from Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Director, OESM]

With the theme “Innovative Agriculture and Green Technologies for a Resilient Future,” the forum gathered 25 promising graduate scholars from 12 member universities of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), co-hosted by Universitas Brawijaya and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

Prof. Molde-Abello’s winning presentation, titled “Exploring the Power of Red Light and Trichoderma viride in Improving Resistance against Fusarium Root Rot in Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Seedlings,” stood out in one of the parallel sessions.  Her work contributes to the advancement of horticultural practices that align with sustainability and innovation, key themes in this year’s gathering.

Reflecting on her achievement, Prof. Molde-Abello shared: “This journey has been incredibly challenging yet rewarding,… I’m thankful to God, my family, mentors, CMU, CHED-SIKAP, SEARCA, and the College of Agriculture for their support throughout this process.” 

Moreover, joining her in representing CMU and the Philippines was Ms. Janice G. Repaso, a PhD candidate in Soil Science and a fellow CHED-SIKAP scholar. Their participation reaffirmed CMU’s vision as a leading ASEAN University. 

The forum featured four interdisciplinary sub-themes: Digitalization and AI for Smart Agroindustry, Circular Economy and Sustainable Resource Management, Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Security, and Future Food and Functional Ingredients, which offered a rich venue for scholarly exchange and collaborative learning.

Meanwhile, the forum also included on-site visits to the Kayutangan Heritage Area and the Atsiri Laboratory, culminating with an excursion to Mount Bromo, which provided participants with cultural experiences and a greater understanding of local sustainability initiatives.