By Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, BA Comm -4, The Centralian Link Intern

 

Last February 5, 2026, Central Philippine University welcomed teachers and executives from the International Talent Circulation Base, better known as INTACT BASE. These teachers and executives hail from Taiwan and came to CPU for a signing of a memorandum of understanding with the university.

The delegation was hosted in the BOT Conference Room and received a warm welcome from CPU Administration officials, namely University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Merle Junsay, Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio, and LILAC Director Lesley Joy Dignadice.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Vice President Junsay, and everyone then introduced themselves to each other after being welcomed to CPU by Director Dignadice.

Members of the INTACT BASE delegation include Vice President of Cheng Siu University Dr. Shuenn-Ren Cheng, CEO of INTACT BASE Taiwan-Philippines (Iloilo Office) Prof. Shan Mei Chen, Deputy CEO Prof. Krystyl Lim, Project Manager Ms. Thistle Mariby Aguilar, Vice President for External Affairs of ISAT University Dr. Nemia Mabaquiao, Program Director Ms. Cherisse Hope Gomez, and Mrs. Michelle Lai, a Mandarin teacher for the program. The delegation and the purpose of this MOU signing are specifically under the INTENSE program (International Industrial Talents Education Special Program).

University President Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy then delivered his opening remarks. He mentioned that this MOU signing between INTACT BASE and CPU will serve to further strengthen the areas of both Industry and Education, both within the university and in the international/national space. He also remarked that this initiative and this partnership with CPU align with the university’s vision and mission statement and with its commitment to EXCEL.

Afterwards, Dr. Mary Earl Daryl, Dean of the College of Engineering, read the rationale of the MOU, which reads:

“This Memorandum of Understanding establishes a strategic international partnership between Central Philippine University and the International Talent Circulation Base (Taiwan–Philippines) to advance the internationalization of higher education, talent development, and industry-aligned learning.

Through this collaboration, Filipino students and graduates are provided expanded opportunities to pursue advanced studies and industry-oriented education in Taiwan, particularly under the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE). The partnership also strengthens academic and cultural exchange by promoting Chinese language education in the Philippines, equipping students with linguistic and intercultural competencies essential in a globalized workforce.

By fostering collaboration among universities, industry partners, and international institutions, the MoU supports capacity-building, workforce readiness, and sustainable talent mobility between Taiwan and the Philippines. Overall, this agreement aligns with the shared vision of both parties to enhance educational quality, promote cross-border academic cooperation, and develop globally competitive graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national and international development.”

After reading the rationale of the MOU, University President Ernest Howard Dagohoy along with Vice President of Cheng Siu University Dr. Shuenn-Ren Cheng then proceeded to sign the MOU to officially solidify the partnership agreement.

To end the program, President Dagohoy and Vice President Cheng exchanged tokens of appreciation to mark the end of the ceremony.

The INTENSE Program, partnering with Taiwanese universities, offers generous support packages in collaboration with industry sponsors, often major semiconductor companies like ASE (Advanced Semiconductor Engineering) and others among Taiwan’s global top-tier firms. Some key benefits for Eligible Filipino Students and Graduates include:

Almost free tuition for the program duration (government and enterprise subsidies cover most or all costs).

• Monthly living allowance of at least NTD 10,000 (approximately USD 300) during the initial study phase, with free dormitory accommodation in many cases.
• First year focused on full-time study, including Mandarin language learning.
• Paid internships starting after the first year, with stipends around NTD 25,000+ (roughly PHP 50,000 or USD 800).
• Post-graduation employment in Taiwan for two years (return service) with competitive salaries, handled seamlessly through the partnering company and university—including work permits and transitions from student to employee status.
• After the two-year obligation, graduates can continue with the sponsoring company, switch to another in Taiwan, or pursue opportunities worldwide (including in Singapore, the US, or in the Philippines).

The program supports various degree levels: two-year bachelor’s completions, post-baccalaureate, master’s, and limited doctoral options. Most are English-taught (requiring basic English proficiency like TOEFL/TOEIC/IELTS at CEFR B1 level), though some are Chinese-taught (requiring TOCFL Level 2 proficiency). The eligibility and application process are as follows:

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a STEM-related discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or closely aligned fields such as finance or semiconductor-related studies).
• A formal recommendation or endorsement letter from the applicant’s home university issued by a dean, professor, department head, or equivalent authority is an essential requirement. Applications submitted without institutional endorsement will not be considered.
• There is no strict age restriction nor any mandatory recency requirement for graduation; successful participants have included individuals in their late 20s and 30s.
• Applications are submitted through the official INTACT Base online portal, with no numerical cap on the number of qualified applicants.

This recent MOU signing highlights CPU’s aggressive push for further internationalization, positioning the university as a proactive leader in global educational linkages amid a rapidly evolving higher education landscape in the Philippines.