The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) furthered its commitment to international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) of Indonesia on February 6, 2025. The signing ceremony, held at UNP Tadena Hall, marked a significant step towards fostering academic and research partnerships between the two institutions.

Present on the significant moment were the by Pres. Erwin Cadorna, Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Albert Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension, other members of the Administrative Council, Internationalization Focal Persons, and Faculty Regent Dr. Aldrin Jaramilla. The UBSI was represented by the Head of International Office Affairs Dr. Jimmi and Head of English Literature, Dr. Agus Priadi. 

The memorandum highlights the agreement between the two universities to encourage and promote cooperation and exchange on the following academic activities: faculty, staff, and student exchange programs; joint scientific research projects and programs; joint extension and other academic related activities like lectures, workshops, for a, symposia, and seminars; exchange of academic materials, scientific publications, and other relevant scholarly publications; and other cooperation and collaboration activities deemed of mutual benefit to both universities.

Dr. Jimmi and Dr. Priadi to UNP also served as guest-lecturers during their visit in UNP. Dr. Jimmi shared his expertise on the TOEFL with BSED English students from the College of Teacher Education, while Dr. Priadi discussed global challenges in journalism with BA Communication students from the College of Arts and Science.  The UBSI representatives also toured UNP’s extensive facilities, including the Colleges of Engineering, Technology, Law, Nursing, Medicine, Communication and Information Technology, Business Administration and Accountancy, the University Library, and the UNP Ceramics Center. These visits allowed them to identify potential avenues for collaboration in research and instruction.

The groundwork for this partnership was laid during a visit by UNP representatives Ms. Marieglo C. Presto, Head of Library Services, and Ms. Antonina Lazaro, OIC of the HRMO, to the Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, from October 4-12, 2024.  There, they connected with Dr. Jimmi, who subsequently maintained communication with UNP through Dr. Sally Jarin, Director of International Affairs and External Linkages Office, leading to the MOU signing.

“Hopefully, the international cooperation between UBSI and UNP, which has been well established, will further strengthen the friendship between both institutions,” Dr. Jimmi remarked.  The UBSI delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the UNP community during their stay in Vigan from February 4-7, 2025.

UBSI, a large private university in Jakarta, Indonesia, with an enrollment between 35,000 and 39,999 students across its 36 campuses, offers a variety of programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees.  Established in 2010 and recognized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, UBSI has branch campuses in numerous locations across Indonesia.  This partnership between UNP and UBSI promises to open new opportunities for students and faculty alike, fostering academic exchange and collaborative research endeavors.

Article by Winnie Caliboso, Photos by Joel Tipon.