By Keziah G. Huelar

Strengthening global ties in research—Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology are partnering to pioneer the first Filipino-Chinese international research collaboration in the Visayas Region.

The said partnership was established through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; ZUIT President, Dr. Yao Xiyuan; and Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion Inc. co-founder, Mr. Xu Bin, on October 30, 2018 at ZUIT, China.

In the said MOA, both universities agreed to conduct research studies on four phenomenon of interests, namely: “A Comparative Study of Eco-Tourism Education at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology”; “Street Food Culture in Zhengzhou City, China and Iloilo City, Philippines: A Comparative Study”; “Healing Practices Using Popular Herbal Plants in China and Philippines: A Comparative Study”; and “Pre-Hospital Duty Preparations of Nursing Students at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology: A Comparative Study.”

The study, “A Comparative Study of Eco-Tourism Education at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology,” is headed by Prof. Ismael A. Almaja together with Prof. Ely S. Lazaro. Their ZUIT counterparts include Prof. Gao Zhaoming, Director of the Tourism Management Department, School of Management; Wu Ke, Research Secretary of the School of Management; Zou Lei, ZUIT Tourism Management Department and Sun Xiaomei, Head of the Tourism Training Center.

“Street Food Culture in Zhengzhou City, China and Iloilo City, Philippines: A Comparative Study” will be spearheaded by Prof. Myrna T. Luceno together with Prof. Armando S. Hisuan. They will partner with ZUIT Associate Prof. Ma Jing, Director of Economics Teacher and Research Section; Shi Kaiyan, Deputy Director of the International Trade Teaching and Research Section; Miao Nana, a lecturer in international economics and trade; and Zhou Jie, a student taking up Master’s Degree with a Major in Finance.

“Healing Practices Using Popular Herbal Plants in China and Philippines: A Comparative Study” is led by Dr. Stella G. Fernandez together with Prof. Melba C. Sale and Prof. Marites L. Robleza. Their ZUIT counterparts include Li Ke, Director of Biopharmaceuticals Research Office; Prof. Zai Guangyu; and Li Meng.

The fourth study entitled “Pre-Hospital Duty Preparations of Nursing Students at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology: A Comparative Study” will be spearheaded by Prof. Nelida L. Lamasan with members Prof. Melba C. Sale and Prof. Marites L. Robleza. Their ZUIT partner-researchers are composed of Prof. He Qunli, Deputy Dean, ZUIT Medical School; Dr. Zhao Xinyong; Wang Yan, Assoicate Dean of ZUIT Medical School; and Si Xuyan, Director of Clinical Basic Research Office.

Both universities also agreed to pursue the publication and presentation of their research in an international research journal and conference. The research collaboration commenced on November 1, 2018 and shall be completed by May 31, 2019.

Furthermore, in line with the said partnership, on October 27-November 10, 2018, a research group composed of seven faculty members of CPU together with Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, presented their studies in two Chinese universities.

At ZUIT, Prof. Melba C. Sale from the College of Nursing discussed her study entitled “Core Competency in Nursing Education”; Prof. Nelida L. Lamasa also from the College of Nursing, presented her study, “Nursing Education in the Philippines”; Prof. Armando S. Hisuan talked about his study, “Hospitality Management at CPU”; Prof. Ely S. Lazaro and Prof. Ismael A. Almaja discussed their study, “Eco-Tourism Management and Tourism Programs”; Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, discussed her study entitled “Philippine Biodiversity Status” while Prof. Nicolas G. Guanzon from the College of Arts and Science talked about his study, “Research of BS Biology Program of CPU.”

On the other hand, Dr. Rio presented his study entitled “Autonomous Status in Philippine Educational System” at Henan University in Henan, China.

According to Dr. Rio, the research collaboration with ZUIT will open more partnerships for international research and exchanges: “ZUIT faculty researchers will visit CPU on February 2019 to conduct the comparative study. They will be using the same data gathering instrument that the CPU researchers used in ZUIT. This is just the start; we expect more exchange programs and faculty exchanges in the coming years.”

Dr. Rio also highlights that CPU aims to be at the forefront of research in the region. He further explains that the university is currently pushing for more research partnerships and exchanges with various foreign universities: “Internationalization is being vigorously pursued under the administration of Dr. Robles. We are maximizing our efforts to conduct more faculty and student research partnership and exchanges. This will help us establish CPU as a pioneer in international research collaboration in the region.”