Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, head of delegation, along with four other faculty members from Central Philippine University, will take part in an international academic collaboration with Universitas Merdeka Malang, Indonesia, from May 3 to May 11, 2025.
Iloilo City, Philippines — Central Philippine University (CPU) continues to expand its global academic reach as five of its distinguished faculty members have been invited to participate in an international teaching and research collaboration hosted by Universitas Merdeka Malang (UNMER), Indonesia, from May 3 to May 11, 2025.
This academic engagement marks a significant milestone in the university’s internationalization efforts. The CPU delegation will engage in a week-long International Lecture Series, sharing their expertise with faculty and students at UNMER across various disciplines. The team includes:
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio– Postgraduate Program, Social Science (Topic: Qualitative Research)
Dr. Renia F. De la Peña– Public Administration (Topics: Public Policy, Innovation, Reformation)
Prof. Pauline Marie D. Wong– Psychology (Topics: Educational Psychology, Play Psychology)
Dr. Chary Joy Gamayon – Accountancy (Topics: Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting)
Engr. Linie Rose Santacera – Civil Engineering (Topic: Highway Engineering)
In addition to the lectures scheduled from May 5–9, the CPU faculty will also participate in collaborative research discussions on May 10, aimed at developing joint publications targeted for Scopus-indexed journals. This initiative reflects CPU’s commitment to international research productivity and scholarly exchange.
According to Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs and head of the delegation, “This partnership not only fosters knowledge sharing but also strengthens our research collaborations, particularly in areas relevant to both Philippine and Indonesian academic priorities.”
The engagement is expected to contribute significantly to CPU’s maintenance of its autonomous university status, and enhance its visibility in the QS Asia University Rankings, as well as support ongoing program-level accreditation efforts through evidence of global academic participation.
Moreover, the activity supports the university’s goal of expanding international faculty mobility, further aligning with the institution’s thrust for global education and internationalization.
Both CPU and UNMER view this collaboration as a long-term strategic alliance that will open more opportunities for joint academic activities, student exchanges, and international research networks.