Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU showcases 200+ global engagements in 2024

By Frances Batara, STRATCOM Correspondent

MMSU students and employees who completed cross-cultural programs the previous year shared their experiences with the university community during the 2025 Academic and Professional Journey Across Cultures (AJAC and PJAC), held on January 23 at Teatro Ilocandia. 

As part of intensified international faculty and student mobility, MMSU supported 76 students and 185 employees who participated globally in various exchange programs and professional development opportunities. This year’s AJAC and PJAC featured speakers who had engagements in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, China, Japan, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, the United States of America, and Switzerland.

MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco said that the university has been at the forefront of providing its students and employees with various global opportunities. She mentioned that the university is no longer just sending its employees and students abroad but has also been welcoming international students over the years.

The AJAC gathered students to engage in panel discussions divided into four: international academic exchange for development, a novice perspective of communicating brilliant ideas, knowledge exchange in sustaining internalization, and internationalization initiative on optimizing educators’ now normal. 

Faculty members and university staff also participated in PJAC, where speakers discussed their professional experiences. The sessions were divided into three panel discussions: competency development, capacity building toward global competitiveness, and knowledge and cultural exchanges for internalization.

During the AJAC, Mr. Gervy James Gumarit, an alumnus and Head of Ilocos Norte’s Communications and Media Office, served as the guest speaker. He shared his fellowship experience with the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative in the USA. He encouraged students to participate in international opportunities, as they will help them grow personally and deepen their understanding of the world. 

Former MMSU president and current CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis also highlighted during the PJAC that the international exposure of students and employees reflects the university's ongoing commitment to enhancing its global presence. “For many years, we all have been committed to MMSU’s vision of becoming a world-class university upholding its position in the Philippines.”

The Journey Across Cultures event, organized by the Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Directorate, is held annually during the month-long celebration of the founding anniversary of the university. Aside from the panel discussions, the event showcases exhibitions of photos, learned experiences, and artifacts from different cultures and nationalities.