Misamis University in Collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Hosts Internationalization and Innovation Forum
Misamis University, in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), successfully held its Internationalization and Innovation Forum on October 8, 2024, at the Grand Pavilion in Ozamiz City. The event, themed "Strengthening Global Collaboration in International Education: Forging Strategic Partnerships with Businesses and Industries Across Europe," was a key highlight of the university’s 95th Foundation Day celebration.
The forum brought together 150 participants, including directors of Internationalization from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region 10, Northern Mindanao, officials from the Ozamiz Chamber of Commerce, and Misamis University deans, faculty, and students.
The Opening
University President Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon welcomed the participants with an inspiring address that highlighted the role of HEIs in internationalization. She emphasized that the event was a significant component of the university’s 95th Foundation Day celebration, reflecting on 95 years of achievements in serving students, stakeholders, and the community. Dr. De Leon stressed the importance of accomplishments such as the university’s Autonomous Status granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification, and program accreditations, as essential foundations for internationalization initiatives.
Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, Director IV of CHED Region 10, delivered a congratulatory message through a recorded video. He celebrated Misamis University’s sustained Autonomous Status—one of only 92 HEIs nationwide to achieve this in 2024. Dr. Bernal commended the university’s role in producing world-class graduates and highlighted its leadership in education. He expressed hopes for Misamis University to be recognized in global university rankings and affirmed CHED’s support for the forum.
Dr. Lloyd B. Ranises, Linkage and Networking Officer, presented the rationale for the event. He emphasized the need for HEIs to expand partnerships beyond Southeast Asia to effectively address global challenges. He also highlighted the importance of balancing partnerships with the Global North to avoid issues like brain drain while fostering equitable collaboration. Dr. Ranises introduced the event’s agenda, which focused on Europe’s connections to Philippine HEIs, trade, and innovation. The forum’s three presentations tackled Europe-Philippines relations, Austrian education and labor opportunities, and European trade relations with Mindanao.
Presentations
The First Presentation
The keynote speech by Mr. Florian Gottein, ECCP Executive Director, was delivered on his behalf by Ms. Joane Natimdim, ECCP Northern Mindanao representative. The presentation covered several key topics, including academic mobility partnerships and industry-academia collaborations facilitated by ECCP. It discussed programs such as the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package Higher Education (SCOPE-HE) Programme and opportunities for internships with European-affiliated companies like Siemens, Nestlé, and Unilever, which collectively hosted 150 Mindanao students over the past three years. It explored trade opportunities through the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which provides significant benefits to Philippine exports to Europe.
The Second Presentation
Ms. Ma. Teresa Francisco, Country Manager for International Recruitment and Migration at the Austrian Embassy, presented on the topic "Empowering Future Professionals: Education and Work in Austria." She highlighted Austria’s rich academic traditions and outlined opportunities available to Filipino students and professionals, including academic partnerships, scholarships, exchange programs, and work and migration pathways such as the Red-White-Red Card. She emphasized Austria's labor demands in key fields, including engineering, business management, agriculture, health, and telecommunications.
The Third Presentation
Ms. Luz G. Galda, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental, discussed European trade relations and opportunities for Northern Mindanao. Key points included the region’s top exports, such as bananas, processed fruits, tuna, and coconut, along with export potential in sectors like machinery, apparel, processed food, and natural products. She also highlighted challenges in maximizing the benefits of the EU's GSP+, including stringent regulatory requirements and limited awareness among traders.
Towards the Closing
The Misamis University Choral added a cultural touch to the forum by performing an interlude that featured the song "Edelweiss," a native flower of Austria associated with its alpine culture and heritage, symbolizing Austrian strength. The event concluded with an open forum, allowing participants to further explore and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed.
The Internationalization and Innovation Forum was a significant milestone in Misamis University’s journey toward global collaboration. By fostering meaningful discussions and highlighting opportunities with European partners, the university continues to position itself as a leader in education, internationalization, and innovation.
Click here to watch the full video: https://bit.ly/MUInternationalizationForum
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