Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
In celebration of the 59th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Central Mindanao University (CMU) spearheaded a series of commemorative events on August 24, 2026, highlighting regional integration, cultural appreciation, and unity in diversity.
The university-wide celebration commenced with a flag-raising ceremony. Faculty and staff wore traditional national costumes representing various ASEAN member states, waving flags while singing the ASEAN 2026 Official Theme Song.
Continuing the momentum in the afternoon, the Office of the President (OP), the Office of International Relations (OIR), and the Legion of Empowered Sociology Students (LESOS) co-hosted an academic forum at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Auditorium. Centered on the theme “CMU Navigates with ASEAN: Building Bridges, Shaping Futures Together,” the forum brought together students from the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science programs to explore internationalization and student diplomacy.
Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of OIR, delivered a presentation titled “CMU as a Gateway to ASEAN Collaboration: Strengthening Academic Partnerships and Regional Engagement.” Dr. Dadang detailed the university’s expanding institutional linkages and joint initiatives with partner universities across Southeast Asia, reinforcing CMU’s active role as a catalyst for higher education integration and cross-cultural learning.
Elevating the voice of student leadership, Political Science majors Lantis Ebajay and Benedict Maestrado shared insights from their recent participation in the International Course on Multiculturalism and Humanity in Indonesia. In their joint talk, “Students as Cultural Ambassadors: Fostering Unity and Diversity in ASEAN,” Ebajay and Maestrado underscored how youth-driven dialogue promotes inclusivity, mutual respect, and cross-border solidarity.
In his address, University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe reaffirmed his strategic vision of positioning CMU as a leading ASEAN university, framing internationalization as a vital pathway for faculty exchanges, joint research endeavors, and global academic access.
“At CMU, we want our students to dream beyond this campus… to know that their talents can make a difference—not only here in Mindanao, but also in ASEAN and in the world,” Dr. Eballe remarked, urging the academic community to look beyond geographical boundaries and work toward a shared regional future. The event was held in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. [Johnica Chantal G. Montero with information from Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang]
