The Capiz State University (CAPSU) signed two memorandums with Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), one of the prestigious universities in Indonesia, on February 17, 2025 at the university’s Central Administration boardroom. A Memorandum of Understanding for Academic Cooperation and Exchange was signed with the Indonesian university and a Memorandum of Agreement on Faculty Exchange with the university’s Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Efren L. Linan, the CAPSU President, led the signing of the agreements on behalf of the university. Joining him were Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages; Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension; Dr. Annalie G. Campos, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Marien A. Laureto, University Director for International and National Affairs; Dr. Emely J. Escala, University Director for Livestock Research Development Center; and Dr. Honey Lee J. Casa, Pontevedra Campus Administrator.
The Hasanuddin University were represented by Dr. Fika Yuliza Purba and Dr. Rini Amriani on behalf of Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa, the university rector, and Prof. Dr. Haerani Rasyid, M.KES, SP.PD (KGH), SP.GK of the Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi started the event with a welcome message to all the attendees. “This partnership signifies the beginning of a new era in strengthening the academic and cultural relations between our two respective institutions.”, Dr. Legaspi stated. Dr. John King N. Layos, faculty member of the College of Agriculture and Forestry of CAPSU Burias Campus, presented the rationale of the activity, and Dr. Marien Laureto of the EAL Office read the salient points of the agreements.
In his acceptance speech, President Linan expressed his gratitude towards UNHAS and to all the university officials involved in materializing the signing of the memoranda. “By coming together, we are not only advancing our individual missions, but also contributing to the broader global network of knowledge, innovation and sustainability.”, Dr. Linan said. “Today is not just a day of agreement, but a day of promise. A promise to grow together, to learn from each other, and to create a brighter future to our shared commitment to excellence in education and service.”, he concluded.
Dr. Fika Yuliza Purba of UNHAS delivered the acceptance message on behalf of the university rector Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa. During her speech, Dr. Fika revealed that CAPSU is the first university in the Philippines that UNHAS had signed a partnership. Attendees were elated hearing this from the representative from Indonesia. “The significance of academic exchange cannot be overstated. It serves as a bridge that connects diverse culture, knowledge and creativity. By working together, we can address complex challenges in agriculture effectively and contribute to the well-being of our communities.”, Dr. Fika shared from the message of Rector Jompa. Dr. Fika also recalled the seminar and joint publication in year 2024 that UNHAS made with Dr. John King N. Layos of CAPSU Burias Campus, which made significant contribution to the academic community.
A roundtable discussion with the Dr. Fika followed after the signing ceremony, participated by the faculty members and deans from the College of Agriculture and Forestry of CAPSU Burias Campus and College of Agriculture and Fisheries of CAPSU Pontevedra Campus.
A seminar lecture took place in the afternoon with presentations from Dr. Fika of UNHAS and Dr. R-Jun Frederick A. Gaspe, a faculty member of CAPSU Pilar Satellite College. Both professors respectively presented vital information about the status of the livestock industry of Indonesia and the Philippines. They also answered questions raised by the attendees after their presentations.
Dr. Leo Andrew Biclar wrapped-up the day’s event with a message of appreciation to the UNHAS representatives and the prime movers of CAPSU for the successful partnership ceremony. “Through this partnership, we are not only opening doors for academic exchanges and research opportunities, but also fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening the bonds between our nations. I am confident that this agreement will lead to many fruitful endeavors that will benefit not only our students and faculty, but contribute to our global community.”, Dr. Biclar declared.
│ via Frederick D. Almeida, CAPSU-PIO