CMU advances global partnership at 39th UC-SEARCA Executive Board meeting
Central Mindanao University (CMU) reaffirmed its commitment to international academic collaboration and excellence in graduate education through its participation in the 39th University Consortium (UC)-SEARCA Executive Board Meeting held on October 5–7, 2026, at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia.
Represented by Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs and UC Executive Officer, and Dr. Judith D. Intong, Dean of the College of Agriculture and UC Coordinator, CMU’s participation highlighted the university’s continuing engagement in regional and international initiatives in graduate education, research collaboration, and academic mobility in agriculture and natural resources.
The three-day meeting brought together Executive Board members and university officers and staff representing 14 institutions across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Taiwan. The gathering provided a platform for member universities to share institutional accomplishments, discuss strategic priorities, and strengthen partnerships toward advancing higher education and research through UC initiatives.
A significant highlight of the meeting was CMU’s confirmation as the host of the UC Graduate Student Forum in 2029. This milestone reflects the university’s active role in the consortium and provides an opportunity for CMU to bring together graduate students from member institutions for future academic exchange, research discussions, and collaboration.
During the institutional updates, Dr. Intong presented CMU’s report on behalf of University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, highlighting the university’s accomplishments and contributions to UC initiatives from the year 2025-2026. The presentation reaffirmed the commitment of CMU faculty and student to participating in collaborative programs that promote academic development and strengthen its international presence.
The meeting also featured discussions on the consortium’s upcoming activities for 2027–2028, including Summer Schools, Graduate Student Fora, Faculty Fora, and Executive Board Meetings. These initiatives are designed to expand opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional development, and cross-institutional cooperation among various member universities.
CMU also gained insights into ongoing capacity-building and curriculum development efforts under the ERASMUS+ Project on Postgraduate Micro-Credential in Food Security and Climate Change (PMC FSCC). The discussions opened opportunities for the university to explore participation in initiatives addressing food security, climate change, and other shared regional concerns.
Beyond the formal sessions, the delegation participated in activities that provided a closer look at IPB University’s research, innovation, and institutional development initiatives, including a visit to the IPB Science and Technology Park and IPB Museum. These engagements offered opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from the practices of fellow institutions.
As CMU prepares to host the UC Graduate Student Forum in 2029, the university looks forward to building stronger partnerships across the consortium and providing a venue for graduate students to share knowledge, present research, and contribute to solutions for regional and global challenges.
Through these engagements, Central Mindanao University continues to advance its vision of shaping global leaders through excellence, integrity, and service.
These international initiatives align with the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). [Information from Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs]
