By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA-ELS 4

Representatives of CPU and NITS during a consultative meeting.

Engr. Dany Molina, Dean of the College of Engineering facilitated a meeting with the National Institute of Technology, Sasebo College, Japan last June 13, 2022.

The National Institute of Technology, Sasebo College is a partner institution of Central Philippine University. In the MOU, both institutions have agreed to establish a mutually cooperative relationship in science, technology, and culture specifically in student/faculty/staff exchange, joint education and research activities, and other activities agreed upon.

During the meeting, Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu and Dr. Kazuhiko Mitsuhashi proposed two projects for a start. The first, which had been initially planned before the pandemic was the Sakura Science Exchange Program which will focus on “Learning of renewable energy by floating offshore wind power system for island countries”. Selected students from CPU’s College of Engineering will participate. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) started the “Sakura Science Program”. This is a short-term visit to Japan with the opportunity to experience both Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology and culture.

The second is JASSO Program which will focus on “English and communication training for future global engineer learning at Central Philippine University”. Selected Engineering students from Sasebo College will get the chance to visit CPU for one month.

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles was at the helm to accept the proposals made by the NITS team. He emphasized the importance of student exchange as well as the cultural and educational exposure of students from both institutions.

The collaboration meeting was participated by the following: from CPU, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean College of Engineering ; Dr. Bernardo G. Cagasan, Officer-In-Charge Department of Languages, Mass Communications and Humanities; and, Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma-Trompeta, Director, Office of International Relations and Cooperation. From Sasebo College (NITS), Dr. Kazuhiko Mitsuhashi, Executive Officer of the International Exchange Program; Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu, Chairman of the Philippines and Kosen Collaboration; Ms. Ernie A. Kakehashi, Co-chairman of the Philippines and Kosen Collaboration.