By Karren Jay G. Asgar

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, faculty, and students join Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology officials for a group photo on December 3, 2025, at Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center, marking the Study Camp opening and Maritime Silk Road Academy MoU signing.

Central Philippine University (CPU) joined the Opening Ceremony of the Central Philippine University Study Camp, the Launch Ceremony for the Project Construction of the Maritime Silk Road Academy, and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology on December 3, 2025, at the Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center, Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology.

The CPU delegation, led by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, included 46 students taking up the subject International Business and Trade, and 8 faculty members from the CPU College of Business and Accountancy (CPU-CBA) headed by CBA Dean, Dr. Lorna T. Grande. The delegation’s participation was coordinated by Dr. Hermely A. Jalando-on through the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC), headed by its Director, Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice. The event was hosted by the Fujian Overseas Chinese Youth Innovation Talents Professional Committee and Central Philippine University, 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.”

The ceremony opened with the introduction of leaders and participants, followed by the choral national anthem.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology President Prof. Li Dianchu, along with officials, pose for a photo following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on December 3, 2025, at Qunying Hall, International Exchanges Center.

During the Speech of Leaders, Wei Haotian of the Fujian Overseas Chinese Youth Innovation Talents Professional Committee emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying the event “marks not only a milestone in deepening educational cooperation between our two universities, but also a vivid demonstration of our Committee’s commitment to leveraging the overseas Chinese community as a bridge to foster the joint cultivation of young talent between China and the Philippines.”

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy also delivered a message highlighting the growing partnership between the institutions. “This ceremony marks a significant milestone in academic cooperation, potentially leading to a global partnership,” he said. He added, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the cooperation between our two schools, which serves as a model of educational collaboration and will benefit both teachers and students.”

Prof. Li Dianchu, President of Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology, noted the long-term benefits of the exchange: “This study journey serves as a vivid embodiment of this collaboration, poised to inject enduring momentum into youth exchanges between the two nations, academic interactions, and mutual industrial learning.”

Representing the CPU Study Camp, Micaelle Goson Juan Hong Tan shared key insights from the study tour: “This study tour was not merely a trip, but a valuable opportunity to build cultural understanding and connect learning, allowing us to appreciate China’s profound cultural heritage, rapid economic development, and global leadership in science, technology, and trade.”

The program continued with the Flag Presentation Ceremony, the Launch of the Project Construction of the Maritime Silk Road Academy, and the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Prof. Li Dianchu of Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology.

Additional highlights included the Signing of the Tripartite Cooperation Agreement among the College, Enterprise, and Committee, the Unveiling Ceremony of the Joint Training Base for Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral Talents, an Arts Showcase of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the group photo.