CatSU, SeAMK ink MOU for academic cooperation

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CatSU, SeAMK ink MOU for academic cooperation

Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) today, cementing a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing academic exchange and cooperation.

The signing ceremony took place at the CatSU Conference Room and was attended by SeAMK President Dr. Jaakko Hallila, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Vice Presidents, and deans of all colleges.

This partnership will facilitate various initiatives, such as the exchange of faculty members and researchers, student exchanges, joint projects, and the development of academic programs. Both universities are committed to collaborating on conferences, sharing information and publications, and engaging in mutually agreed-upon activities.

During the signing, Dr. Azanza shared his enthusiasm for CatSU's collaboration, highlighting the university's entry into the global rankings. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits this partnership could bring, emphasizing that there is much more to offer through this collaboration.

"I am glad that this year, as we enter the global rankings as a university, we feel we have more to offer in our partnership. The presence of all the deans here signifies a strong interest in your university," Dr. Azanza said, adding that the participation of all deans signifies the university's strong interest in expanding its collaboration with SeAMK.

Recognizing the importance of learning from the Finnish education system, renowned for its innovative policies, Dr. Azanza stated that CatSU has much to learn from SeAMK, which he described as one of the best in the world due to its cutting-edge policies and practices.

Banking on this, he also emphasized the need for strong leadership in education, when he welcomed the recent appointment of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary, as he mentioned during the signing.

“A positive development is the recent designation of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary. His deep understanding of our education system, stemming from his role as a commissioner of EDCOM 2, is crucial as we need leaders who will propel progress from basic education to higher education,” he said.

Seeing this perspective of strengthening the internationalization efforts of the university under his term, Dr. Azanza further pointed out the potential benefits of the partnership.

“With programs offered by Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, such as nursing, agriculture, and advanced technology in food processing, we believe there is much to gain. Your technological expertise would greatly benefit our initiatives,” he said, referring to areas that are particularly relevant as CatSU develops its agro-industrial post-harvest facilities in its economic zones.

Dr. Jaakko Hallila expressed his pleasure at being on the island for the first time, lightly noting that first impressions can be hard to change, but in the case of his visit, “the impression has been very positive.”

“I also see a lot of agricultural opportunities, which is particularly interesting to me as I come from a province in Finland known for food processing and manufacturing machinery,” he said, seeing agricultural opportunities on the island as particularly promising.

Dr. Hallila also shared how he has been keeping in touch with Dr. Azanza for this cooperation, and that the CatSU president has been very open to this cooperation.

“We also wanted to partner with universities that have visionary leadership, and from what we saw, Catanduanes State University definitely has a clear plan and goals,” he said.

“The Finnish government has identified several countries for future cooperation in higher education, and the Philippines is one of them. They see great potential for growth and progress in higher education here,” he emphasized, reaffirming the Finnish government's commitment to educational collaboration with CatSU.

Still grateful for the partnership under the term of President Azanza, when CatSU has debuted in three global rankings, Dr. Hallila shared how strong leadership could achieve significant breakthroughs.

“As the saying goes, if you don’t have a plan, any road will take you nowhere, but with a plan, you can achieve something significant—especially with strong leadership.”

Meanwhile, after the signing, Dr. Hallila extended an invitation for future collaboration, encouraging CatSU to participate in their upcoming “International Days” event in February 2025.