Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University continues to fulfill its mission of advancing the frontiers of knowledge by actively participating in internationalization initiatives, and promoting the global exchange of education and ideas. The AIMS Program is one of the several international organizations CMU is affiliated with. Through AIMS, CMU participates in various activities initiated by the program, enhancing its visibility on the international stage.
The AIMS Program, a flagship initiative of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Institute of Higher Education and Development (RIHED), aims to facilitate student mobility and foster a common higher education area across member countries. With 80 universities from 10 member countries currently involved, the program enhances regional academic collaboration and develops globalized human resources. In the Philippines, 14-member public and private higher education institutions are represented by their respective International Relations Officers (IROs).
CMUβs commitment to the AIMS Program is evident through its active participation and collaboration with member institutions. Recently, CMU representatives, including Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Office of International Relations (OIR) Director, Dr. Judith D. Intong, Dean of the College of Agriculture, and Dr. Karen Debbie J. Cosrojas, College International Relations Officer, conducted an academic visit to Chiang Mai University, Thailand last April this year. The visit focused on establishing student exchange arrangements and curriculum matching. The CMU delegates were warmly received by Chiang Mai University officials, including Dr. Chirawath Phatsara and Dr. Kesinee Gatpayak, and had the opportunity to visit the universityβs agriculture research facilities.
In addition, CMU, in partnership with the CHED Regional Office 10, recently hosted the AIMS Annual Review Meeting at the UNO Business Hotel in Valencia City last June this year. The meeting reviewed the programβs progress, assessed its implementation, and encouraged higher education institutions to further student mobility and internationalization. Non-member institutions also attended as observers, showcasing the programβs growing influence.
Moreover, CMU has facilitated a student exchange program for Alexander James Sayson, a third-year BS Agriculture major in Crop Science (Horticulture Option). Sayson, who meets the programβs requirements, will spend a semester at Chiang Mai University from June 17 to October 30, 2024. The exchange, which includes three courses credited toward his degree at CMU, is fully funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through a scholarship.
Through these initiatives, Central Mindanao University continues to contribute to the global exchange of knowledge and enhance its international academic standing.
[Iyren D. Neri with information from Dr. Karen Debbie J. Cosrojas, College of Agriculture International Relations Officer]
