Officials from Pangasinan State University’s Office of the Vice President for Local and International Affairs (OVPLIA) visited Japan last May for a series of bench learning activities aimed at establishing international collaborations and nurturing academic and cultural exchange.
The delegates initially visited Kyoto Seika University, a private university in Iwakura, Kyoto, renowned for its specializations in manga, anime arts and design.
The said visit featured both universities presenting their profiles, highlighting their unique strengths and opportunities for future collaboration. Additionally, the OVPLIA officials gained valuable insights into the university’s best practices, innovative programs, and top-tier facilities during a comprehensive campus tour.
Next stop was at the Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) for a corporate meeting at the Osaka Prefectural Government Office, Osaka, Japan. Here, OVPLIA officials discussed possible collaborations that the two state universities may venture into including research partnerships and academic exchange among others. The group was accompanied by Hon. Nishida Yoshi, a legislative member of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly, who provided a tour of the session hall and offered insights into the Japanese political landscape.
New connections were established during the visit to Momoyama Gakuin University (also known as St. Andrew’s University), an esteemed Christian university located in Izumi City, Osaka that offers strong international exchange network with a long list of partnerships with various institutions around the globe. The welcoming team included Mr. Yasuhito Asakura, Manager for the International Center, along with the center’s coordinators, Ms. Sachi Kawanabe and Ms. Fumika Iwai.
Existing partnerships were strengthened as the PSU group visited Chiba University. Initial collaborations were entrusted in the TWINCLE or Twin College Envoys Program with PSU fielding students for the program in the past years. The PSU delegation was welcomed by Prof. Jun Nomura, Dean of the Faculty of Education, through the assistance of former PSU Professor Dr. Raquel Pambid.
Chiba University claims leadership in the advancement of science, engineering, technology, research and education methodologies. Its prominence in social sciences and humanities has greatly contributed in the time of economic globalization and the broad access to information.
The group was also warmly welcomed at the Reiyukai facilities where they attended the Reiyukai Cultural Exchange Seminar. It is a Spiritual-Friendship-Association which believes that peace can be achieved through the promotion of one’s personal development for the benefit of all humanity. It is a lay organization (there are no priests) inspired by Nicheren Buddhism but not affiliated to any particular sect.
The OVPLIA delegation was led by Dr. Ian D. Evangelista, Vice President for Local and International Affairs, and composed of Mr. John Joseph Zarate, Director for Continuing Professional Development, Dr. Jesusa Sanchez, Head for International Extension Partnership, Dr. Krigher C. Simbulan, Head for Faculty and Student Mobility. They were joined by PSU Bayambang officials headed by Campus Executive Director Dr. Gudelia M. Samson, Dr. Marjorie Lacap and Dr. Roseanne Jane Cera.
PSU expresses special gratitude to Mr. Junichi Takatsu, Japanese Adjunct Professor.
Through such international endeavors, Pangasinan State University, under the dynamic leadership of its University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas, displays its commitment to expanding its global network, thus fostering its academic and cultural ties with various institutions and organizations internationally.
