By Mikee Natinga Norico
Delegates from CPU join officials from the University of Guam and fellow academic leaders from Philippine institutions, highlighting strengthened international academic ties.
On March 10, 2026, delegates from Central Philippine University (CPU) participated in an immersive Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Guam as part of an international initiative aimed at strengthening academic partnerships and expanding opportunities for student exchange and internships.
The delegation was composed of Asst. Prof. Medalla P. Baliao, Dean of the College of Hospitality Management, Dr. Ma. Amihan T. Panes, College of Hospitality Management Head for Tourism; Asst. Prof. Ismael Almajar, Jr., Program Coordinator for Student Internship Abroad and Internationalization Program; and Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy Dignadice, Director of the CPU Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC).
Organized by the Guam Visitors Bureau, the FAM Trip brought together academic leaders from various colleges and universities in Manila and Iloilo. The initiative aimed to position Guam as a strategic destination for academic collaboration, particularly in the areas of student mobility, internships, and short-term immersion programs.
Throughout the visit, participants engaged in a series of institutional assessments, campus immersions, and high-level stakeholder discussions. These activities provided a comprehensive understanding of Guam’s academic ecosystem, including its educational offerings, student support systems, and partnership frameworks. Delegates also explored opportunities for credit transfers, joint academic programs, and workforce-aligned learning experiences.
Key engagements included meetings with officials from the University of Guam and Guam Community College, where potential areas for collaboration were discussed. The delegation also conducted a courtesy visit to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, where they met with Hon. Joshua “Josh” Tenorio. The discussion highlighted the strong and enduring ties between Guam and the Philippines, particularly in education, workforce development, and cultural exchange.
The visit has generated positive momentum among participating institutions, with CPU currently preparing to send faculty members to Guam for benchmarking activities. This development signals the early stages of potential academic collaboration between the university and partner institutions in Guam.
The FAM Trip concluded with a shared commitment among delegates to advance discussions toward formal agreements, including memorandum of understanding (MOUs), pilot exchange programs, and structured internship pathways, further strengthening international linkages in higher education.
Further details about the immersive Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Guam can be accessed through the following link:
https://greattravelmagazine.com/2026/03/24/guam-welcomes-philippine-academic-delegation-positioning-itself-as-a-key-u-s-destination-for-student-mobility/