Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) recently took part in the 37th Executive Board Meeting of the Southeast Asian University Consortium (UC) for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources, held at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) on September 23-24, 2024.
The CMU delegation was led by Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, University President, along with Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Judith D. Intong, Dean of the College of Agriculture, serving as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and Coordinator, respectively.
A key highlight of the meeting was the evaluation of CMU’s performance as an affiliate member, which resulted in an extension of its membership for another year. Dr. Intong explained that CMU needs to strengthen its collaboration with UC member universities. “Affiliates are under evaluation for three years regarding their participation in UC regular activities,” she said. This year marks the second year of CMU’s evaluation as an affiliate member.
To become a regular member, Dr. Intong emphasized that CMU must host at least one regular UC activity, with plans already in place for CMU to host the UC Faculty Forum in 2025. As an affiliate member, CMU can participate in UC regular activities free of charge, fostering collaboration, exchanges, and partnerships with UC member institutions. However, regular UC members pay an annual fee of over Php300,000, reinforcing the importance of CMU’s commitment to active participation and sustained engagement within the consortium.
Meanwhile, Dr. Eballe highlighted that CMU’s participation in the consortium demonstrates its dedication to expanding education and research globally, particularly in agriculture and natural sciences.
Furthermore, Dr. Valmorida and Dr. Intong underscored the valuable opportunities the consortium provides faculty and students, such as research grants, conferences, seminars, thesis support, and mobility programs, which will further enrich the university’s academic initiatives.
“The university extends its heartfelt gratitude to the consortium and its members for their continued support and collaboration, which are instrumental in fostering CMU’s growth and global engagement,” Dr. Valmorida remarked.
The meeting, hosted by UPLB gathered 13 universities from Southeast Asia and beyond. Regular members included Kasetsart University (KU) and Maejo University (MJU) from Thailand, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), IPB University (IPB), and Universitas Brawijaya (UB) from Indonesia, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), as well as Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Visayas State University (VSU), and UPLB from the Philippines. Associate members Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI) from Japan and National Taiwan University (NTU), together with affiliate members Central Mindanao University (CMU) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada.
CMU’s active involvement in the UC reflects its deep commitment to advancing international partnerships and promoting excellence in agricultural education and research. [Iyren Dalipe Neri with reports from Dr. Jose S. Valmorida, Vice President for Academic Affairs]
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Photo courtesy of SEARCA
