By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Study Camp at Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center, emphasizing academic collaboration and cross-cultural learning.
The Central Philippine University (CPU) delegation completed a five-day academic and cultural immersion in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China, from December 2 to 6, 2025, as part of the Maritime Silk Road Study Tour hosted by Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology, a tea-focused college in Fujian covering about 86.7 hectares.
The CPU team, led by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, was composed of 46 International Business and Trade students and 8 faculty members from the College of Business and Accountancy (CPU-CBA), headed by Dean Dr. Lorna T. Grande. The delegation also included Department Chairpersons Dr. Carmen N. Hernandez and Dr. Christine B. Golilao, as well as faculty teaching International Business and Trade: Dr. Marivic Santos, Asst. Prof. Shedrick Layson, Asst. Prof. Joan Alegro Militar, and the main organizer, Dr. Hermely A. Jalando-on. Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, a CBA part-time teacher and Director, Office of Communications, was also with them. The delegation’s participation was coordinated through the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC), under Director Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice.
CPU students and faculty, together with Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology officials and students, pose for a group photo during the Closing Ceremony of the International Business and Trade Study Camp.
On December 3, 2025, CPU joined the Opening Ceremony of the Study Camp, the Launch Ceremony for the Project Construction of the Maritime Silk Road Academy, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology at the Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center.
The event was hosted by the Fujian Overseas Chinese Youth Innovation Talents Professional Committee and CPU, organized by Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology, and co-organized by Xiamen Effie Education Service Co., Ltd., led by Dr. Benson Xie. The program carried the theme “Writing a Splendid Chapter along the Maritime Silk Road in Fujian: Starting a New Journey with China-Philippines Twin Parks – A Study Tour on Global Trade and Industries.”
During the ceremony, Wei Haotian emphasized the collaboration as a milestone in deepening international educational cooperation. CPU President Rev. Dr. Dagohoy highlighted the event as the start of a new chapter in academic partnership, while Prof. Li Dianchu, President of Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology, underscored the significance of youth exchanges and joint learning. Representing the CPU Study Camp, Micaelle Goson Juan Hong Tan shared reflections on cultural learning and China’s advancements in technology, trade, and heritage. The program also included a Flag Presentation Ceremony, the Launch of the Maritime Silk Road Academy, the MoU signing, the signing of the Tripartite Cooperation Agreement among the College, Enterprise, and Committee, and the unveiling of the Joint Training Base for undergraduate to doctoral talents, an Intangible Cultural Heritage arts showcase.
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, faculty, and students join Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology officials for a group photo at Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center, marking the Study Camp opening and Maritime Silk Road Academy MoU signing.
On the same day, the CPU delegates participated in a Special Lecture on the operations of domestic and international chain enterprises, followed by tea picking and processing activities, and concluded the day with an International Friendship Tea Party.
On December 4, 2025, the immersion continued with visits to a Zhangzhou foreign trade enterprise, Zhangzhou Guoda Clock & Watch Co., Ltd., and the Pien Tze Huang Group. Cultural exploration included Zhangzhou Ancient City and the Maritime Silk Road Museum, providing students with historical context and insight into the region’s role in international commerce.
Delegates also visited the Tenfu Tea Museum and participated in a discussion and sharing session. The program concluded with the closing ceremony of the International Business and Trade Study Camp, where certificates of completion were awarded, visiting professors were formally appointed, and student performances highlighted creativity and cultural collaboration.
The CPU delegation departed China on December 6, 2025, successfully completing the five-day academic and cultural immersion, which provided students and faculty with practical knowledge of global trade, industry operations, and Chinese culture, while reinforcing educational partnerships and fostering long-term cross-cultural exchanges between the Philippines and China.