In a remarkable 3-day event from February 18 to 20, 2024, the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Office of the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs (OVCIA), headed by Prof. Joey Genevieve T. Martinez, DSc, together with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, headed by Prof. Ephrime B. Metillo, PhD, in coordination with Prof. Hernando P. Bacosa, PhD, of the Department of Marine Sciences, celebrated a fantastic achievement.

  Thanks to the support of the MSU-IIT Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, JD LLM, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) and MSU-IIT was a grand success! The esteemed NKUST guest officials traveled all the way from Taiwan to the Philippines, highlighting the importance of the occasion, namely: Prof. Ching-Yu Yang, PhD, the President, Prof. Shu-Ling Hsieh, the Vice-President, Prof. Cheng-Di Dong, PhD, the Dean, and NKUST faculty members Prof. Chiu-Wen Chen, PhD, and Prof. Frank Paolo Jay B. Albarico, PhD. This visit showcased MSU-IIT's commitment to building strong connections with prestigious international universities, fostering collaboration in education, and advancing academic research and exchange. 

The collaborative undertaking was attended by key officials of MSU-IIT, with of course the Chancellor, Prof. Alizedney M. Ditucalan, JD LLM, the Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs Prof. Joey Genevieve Martinez (DSc), the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Prof. Ephrime B. Metillo (PhD), the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Gaudencio Petalcorin, Jr. (PhD), the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Pamela F. Resurreccion (PhD), the Vice Chancellor for Student Services Prof. Rohane M. Derogongan (PhD), the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Prof. Nancy Q. Echavez (PhD), the Chief of Staff Asst. Prof. Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, the Director of REIET Prof. Carlito B. Tabelin (PhD), Director of the Office of Research Management Prof. Arnold C. Alguno (PhD), College Deans and Assistant Deans Prof. Maria Sheila K. Ramos (PhD), Prof. Maria Rizalia Y. Teves (PhD), Assoc. Prof. Rabby Q. Lavilles (DIT), Prof. Marie Joy D. Banawa (PhD), Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah B. Pasandalan (MA), Assoc. Prof. Abdullah Junior S. Mangarun (DSN), Assoc. Prof. Monera A. Salic-Hairulla (PhD), Assoc. Prof. Carlo Stephen O. Moneva (PhD) (representing Dean Maratas), Head of the Procurement Management Division Atty. Amer Hussien B. Manaros, College International Affairs Coordinators Assoc. Prof. Neil M. Martin (PhD) and Assoc. Prof. Maria Cristina P. Vegafria (PhD), Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah B. Pasandalan (MA), IDS Principal Prof. Amelia T. Buan (PhD), and the dedicated Faculty Members & Students from the Department of Marine Sciences and Environmental Sciences. The event was also graced by MSU-Sulu officials who also signed an MOU with NKUST and MSU-IIT. Notably, the invited guests who were present include Chancellor, Prof. Nagder J. Abdurahman (Ed.D), VCAA Prof. Rafael A. Regellana (Ed.D), VCIA Prof. Abuzamier A. Asanji (DPA), VCRIE Prof. Hannbal H. Bara (PhD), their Faculty Union President Abubakar J. Radjuni, and Staff Fradzkhan Mañalas.

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the Office of the City Mayor of Iligan City, Hon. Mayor Frederick W. Siao, through Dr. Darwin J. Manubag of the Office of the City Administrator, and ma'am Abigail Jimlani from the Center for Digital Iligan Innovation and Sustainability for the unwavering support. Gratitude is extended to the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (CDRRMO) for their commitment to securing the safety and security of our esteemed NKUST guests from Taiwan, including the provision of a medical team and police convoy; to the office of Iligan City Tourism for ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable tour at Tinago Falls, Iligan's premier tourist attraction. It was truly commendable.

Special appreciation is extended to dedicated members of the working committee (Chief of Staff Asst. Prof. Michelle Jeanne C. Caracut, Vanessa Joy N. Ilago, Jaypee S. Yongco, James M. Laranjo, Ahmad Yusoph D. Elias, Sitty Maliha B. Mangurun) for their tireless  and invaluable coordination.

This groundbreaking agreement between NKUST and MSU-IIT transcends a mere exchange of signatures, establishing the bedrock for a transformative partnership. Chancellor Ditucalan's insight underscores that, in today's era of globalization, any university's isolation, irrespective of its size, is unsustainable. Beyond sharing resources, this alliance symbolizes a commitment to overcoming geographical, cultural, and disciplinary barriers, creating an environment where ideas flow collaboratively, influencing the future.

Cheers to stronger global ties and more exciting collaborations ahead!