Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU, Maejo University tie up for cultural exchange

By Michael Visaya

Mariano Marcos State University and Maejo University (MJU) in Thailand signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today, May 21, via Zoom, to establish a framework for cooperation in conducting a cultural immersion program. 

Under the MoA, both institutions agreed to provide students and faculty an opportunity to experience and appreciate the culture and traditions through visits, enhancing Philippine and Thai communication and understanding through various cultures.  

Additionally, the partnership aims to advance academic and cultural linkages for future academic, research, and extension programs.

Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, MMSU President, and Dr. Weerapon Thongma, MJU President, led the signing of the MoA. 

Witnessing the official sealing of the partnership were officials from the Thai university: Dr. Prakash Bhuyar Pharm, assistant director and dean of the International Industry and Agriculture Innovation Research Center, and Mrs. Kanokwan Khrueamanee, head of International Cooperation.  

Also present from MMSU were Dr. Angelina Abrojena, dean of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy, along with Prof. Jerico Padamana, Chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Department, and Mr. Quincy Savellano, Linkages and Partnerships chief and tourism faculty member. 

Dr. Manzano emphasized the importance of this partnership to both universities, stating MMSU’s goal of building a collaborative relationship that leads to meaningful changes in the community. 
“This agreement is our shared promise. A promise to grow together, to learn from each other, and to nurture globally minded students and faculty who embrace both academic and cultural wisdom,” Dr. Manzano said after the MoA signing. 

MJU President Weerapon Thongma also highlighted the credibility of both universities, which they have established over decades, making them a perfect avenue for learning and collaboration. 
He also mentioned the rich heritage of Thailand, especially in the province of Chiang Mai, along with the university's recent innovations, stating that these align with the goals of the partnership. "We hope that we can work together, forever,” Dr. Thongma remarked. 

Earlier this year, MJU and MMSU forged a partnership to advance academic excellence, research innovation, and community development in hospitality and tourism management in January.