On July 23, 2024, the Colegio De Muntinlupa in Sucat, Muntinlupa City, hosted the inaugural LGU Global Engagement Forum. This groundbreaking event was a significant step toward fostering international academic collaboration, featuring prominent figures from the world of higher education and beyond.

A Gathering of Academic Leaders

The forum was graced by the presence of the presidents and representatives from 20 esteemed universities, members of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) and the Commission on Accreditation for Local Colleges and Universities (ALCUCOA). Their collective participation underscored the importance of this event in shaping the future of global academic partnerships.

Key Highlights and the MoU Signing

A major highlight of the forum was the signing of comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and the participating institutions, including ALCU. This MoU outlines several pivotal areas of collaboration:

1. Joint Creation of Leading Models of Global Collaboration: Developing innovative models that bridge industry and academic institutions to drive impactful solutions.
2. Development of Joint Courses and Programs: Crafting and offering joint educational programs to provide students with diverse learning opportunities.
3. Exchange of Credits: Facilitating credit transfers between institutions to enhance academic flexibility for students.
4. Student Exchange Programs: Promoting the exchange of graduate and undergraduate students for study and research, fostering cross-cultural learning experiences.
5. Faculty and Researcher Exchange: Enabling the exchange of professors and researchers for collaborative research, lectures, and discussions.
6. Information Exchange: Sharing library materials and research publications to broaden access to academic resources.
7. Joint Conferences and Publications: Organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, and publishing scientific and technological materials, including indexed journals and books, with a focus on peer-reviewed content.
8. Joint Student Activities: Coordinating student activities to build a global network of future leaders.
9. Shared Resources: Allowing joint use of equipment, facilities, and other resources to maximize their utility.

Event Proceedings

The event commenced with a captivating performance by the CDM Chorale, setting a vibrant tone for the day's proceedings. Dr. Teresita C. Fortuna, CESO III, President of Colegio De Muntinlupa, and Engr. Robert James Y. Lomotan, College Dean, delivered the welcome remarks, warmly greeting the attendees.

Asst. Prof. Alni Gavjazmin B. Casacop, Vice President for Student Life and Development at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Technical Assistant to ALCUCOA, provided an insightful presentation that framed the context of the forum. Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE, University President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and President of ALCUCOA, delivered the event's statement of purpose, articulating the vision for future collaborations.

Muntinlupa City Mayor, Hon. Rozanno Rufino B. Biazon, also delivered a poignant message as Chairman of the Board of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Colegio De Muntinlupa, reinforcing the significance of the event for local and global education.

Following this, Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna and Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman from AIUB provided a comprehensive review of the partnership, which was further endorsed by Prof. Dr. Manzur H. Khan, Dr. Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan, Mr. Danio G. Morgia, and Mr. Chowdhury Akram Hossain. Together, they signed the MoU with the presidents of the 20 participating universities and ALCU.

Closing and Celebrations

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Cynthia T. Meneses, Executive Vice President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, and a delightful gala dinner that offered attendees an opportunity to network and celebrate the day's achievements. Participants also enjoyed a tour of the Colegio De Muntinlupa’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, showcasing the institution's commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The 1st LGU Global Engagement Forum 2024 was a resounding success, marking a new chapter in global academic collaboration. The MoU sets the stage for dynamic partnerships that will enrich educational experiences and advance research on an international scale. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of these collaborative efforts in the years to come.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES UNDER THE MOU

1.           Calaca City Global College

2.           City College of Calamba

3.           City College of San Fernando Pampanga

4.           City College of San Jose Del Monte

5.           City University of Pasay

6.           Colegio De Muntinlupa

7.           Diliman College

8.           Gordon College

9.           La Carlota City College

10.        Laguna University

11.        Marikina Polytechnic College

12.        Navotas Polytechnic College

13.        Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa

14.        Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San pablo

15.        Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig

16.        Parañaque City College

17.        Pateros Technological College

18.        Quezon City University

19.        Taguig City University

20.        Universidad De Manila