With its mission to promote cultural understanding and friendship with its Asian neighbors, the Ateneo de Davao University – through its Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office – hosted an Indonesian delegation composed of five (5) Muhammadiyah HEIs for an exploratory meeting for potential areas of collaboration. The visiting Indonesian universities include Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY); Universitas Muhammadiyah Dr. Hamka (UHAMKA); Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung (UNMUH BABEL); Muhammadiyah Pharmacy Vocational School of Cirebon (STF Muhammadiyah Cirebon); and Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (UNISMUH MAKASSAR).
The visit started with a courtesy call with ADDU’s Executive Vice President, Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab. They were able to discuss past collaborations between ADDU and UMY, which has an existing signed Memorandum of Understanding. The other HEIs also expressed their interest in implementing programs with ADDU.
After the courtesy call, the delegation met with representatives from various ADDU departments for the technical discussion of implementing joint programs. The AIM Office, represented by its Director – Mr. Romulo Vinci Bueza, shared about its existing programs under the Globally Networked Learning Environments (GNLE) framework. This includes global experiential programs such as the International Learning Session, Service-Learning Program, Global Internship Program, and Mindanao Study Visit.
The Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF), represented by Ms. Agnes Sagaral (Director) and Mr. Terrence Edward M. Fernandez (OIC Coordinator, Community Engagement Program), discussed the possibility of co-designing programs on service-learning and community engagement/ service. Also present during the meeting was Mr. Kenny Lloyd Angon (Deputy Executive Director) from the Al Qalam Institute, who presented their programs in relation to their advocacies, including peace, economy, education, research, and environment.
With the rich discussion between the present institutions, strengthened partnerships and collaborative activities between ADDU and its Indonesian counterparts are expected in the near future.