CMU strengthens Japan-Philippines partnership through academic exchange
Central Mindanao University (CMU) hosted a successful international engagement with distinguished partners from Japan, on September 21, 2026, at the Office of the President Conference Room, marking a milestone in its pursuit of global collaboration and academic excellence.
The event, themed “Enhancing Japan-Philippines Physics Internationalization,” gathered faculty, researchers, and students for a day of knowledge sharing and partnership building. The activity consisted of two parts.
Part 1 featured a formal round-table discussion focusing on engagement and collaboration between Japan and CMU, with Professors Noboru Sasao and Mamiko Sasao and academic representatives. Part 2 featured talks on “Solid State Nuclear Clocks and the Present Status of Nuclear Fusion,” showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge research in physics, also delivered by the same guests.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Alnar Detalla, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, highlighted CMU’s commitment to advancing scientific research and international cooperation. He emphasized that partnerships like this are vital in nurturing globally competitive scientists and fostering innovation that transcends borders.
The activity is an offshoot of Dr. Michelle Marie S. Villamayor’s long-standing engagement with Japanese partners, which has paved the way for sustained collaboration and academic exchange between CMU and Japan.
The Japanese delegation also introduced the Sakura Exchange Program, a scholarship initiative that promotes student mobility and cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines. Through this program, CMU students will have opportunities to study and conduct research in Japan, gaining exposure to advanced scientific facilities and diverse academic environments. This was delivered by Dr. Noboru Sasao.
In addition, Dr. Mamiko Sasao presented on Japan-Philippine Relations, underscoring the long-standing friendship and shared vision between the two nations—rooted in mutual respect, educational collaboration, and scientific progress.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director of the International Relations Office, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese partners, noting that the collaboration “opens doors to meaningful exchanges, joint research endeavors, and shared initiatives that will strengthen our academic communities.” She affirmed that CMU’s partnership with Japan represents “a commitment to global excellence and a recognition that education thrives when minds and hearts from different nations come together.”
With promising prospects for student mobility and future research collaboration, CMU’s engagement with its Japanese partners stands as a testament to its dedication to internationalization and scientific advancement.
The engagement contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. [Office of International Relations]
