Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Opportunities for academic and industry collaboration were the main focus as Central Mindanao University (CMU) welcomed executives from a Chinese agribusiness firm for an exploratory meeting on July 14, 2026, to discuss potential partnerships in student training, research, and graduate employment.
The delegation represented Muyuan Foods Co., Ltd., the world’s largest hog farming enterprise headquartered in Henan, China, and was composed of Li Yaohui, Human Resource Management Officer; Yu Guowen, Manager of Finance; and Zhao Yalei, Project Manager for Overseas Development. They were welcomed by university officials led by Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, University President, together with representatives from the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Office of Admissions, Scholarship and Placement, Office of the University Registrar, Office of the Director of Instruction, and the Office of International Relations.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of the Office of International Relations, underscored the value of international partnerships in advancing academic excellence, global visibility, human resource development, and national progress.
During the meeting, Zhao Yalei presented an overview of Muyuan Foods, highlighting the company’s growth into a vertically integrated enterprise engaged in feed processing, pig breeding, slaughtering, and meat processing. As the company expands its operations in the Philippines, it has identified CMU as a potential academic partner.
Discussions focused on developing employment pathways for CMU graduates, internships and on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for students and alumni, and collaborative research on sustainable farming, feed innovation, and animal health technologies. These initiatives aim to strengthen industry-academe linkages provide students with practical experience, and supporting innovations in livestock production.
In his concluding message, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe expressed optimism about the opportunities that the collaboration could bring to the university and its stakeholders. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond international engagement by creating meaningful opportunities for students, strengthening faculty participation in globally relevant research, and contributing to community development through sustainable agricultural innovations.
“This partnership is more than an academic milestone—it is a bridge toward inclusive growth. It will empower our students with global opportunities, strengthen our faculty with international collaboration, and uplift our communities with sustainable innovations. Together with Muyuan Foods, we are planting seeds of progress that will bear fruit for generations to come,” Dr. Eballe said.
The exploratory meeting reflects CMU’s continuing commitment to building strategic international partnerships. The initiative also supports the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). [Information from Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director, Office of International Relations]
