Dr. Robles (5th from Right and Atty Von Lovel Bedona (fourth from Right) with CPU VIPs are in the front row with Graduates of TNU-TUEBA in Vietnam.

Dr. Rowena Libo-on, Director for Office of Transnational Programs, in an interview stated that one of the reasons for the existence of the university transnational programs is “to initiate and strengthen national and international linkages with individuals and institutions for mutual development here and abroad” as provided in the Administrative Manual.

The initial discussion and the preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) was spearheaded by the President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and ably assisted by Atty. Aila Endonilla, Legal Counsel; Dr. Rowena Liboon; Dr. Aila Endonilla, VP for Finance and Enterprises; and Dr. Jessica Chin, then Director of the International Programs.

The program started with the undergraduate course offering in Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Administration. As the number of students grew, the CPU Board of Trustees through Resolution No. 11, dated December 7, 2013, approved the creation of the Department of Vietnam Programs under the College of Business and Accountancy.

The strategic plan also included plans to increase enrolment, such as offering distance education program and increasing the number of programs abroad. The Department of Vietnam Programs was changed to Office of Transnational Programs and was approved by the CPU Board of Trustees during a Regular Meeting in its Resolution No. 6 on November 11, 2015.

The new name gave way to more opportunities for academic programs and linkages with foreign universities and institutions. As of now the Office of Transnational Programs is preparing for its academic programs with the Myanmar Institute of Theology, College of Liberal Arts for its joint programs in Master in Business Administration. Another project for Transnational Programs this year is the offering of degree programs online.

The advantage with CPU Transnational Programs according to Dr. Libo-on is that “our partner,” Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) has its own International Cooperation Center for Training and Study Abroad (ICCTS).  The Center has support staff for each of the program with CPU.

On the other hand, CPU’s best practices on the Transnational Programs with Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) include choosing highly qualified faculty, faculty orientation prior to the teaching assignment, full compensation for the local teaching load while teaching CPU programs in TUEBA, mutual support for students in TUEBA—including CPU faculty participation in thesis evaluation and defense.

Only those with master’s degrees can teach in the undergraduate programs while only those with doctoral degrees can teach in the graduate programs. In their Vision, it is stated that “the Office for Transnational Programs endeavor to achieve national and international recognition as a top institution of higher learning in the Philippines and in Asia.”