by Niña Kaye C. Catanus BA ELS 4 Intern
Meeting with Dr. Hiroshi Nakashima, President NIT Sasebo.
One of the privileges of coming to Central Philippine University is having a world class experience. From outstanding academic excellence, boundless academic resources, and encountering different cultures and perspectives, not just through ideas in four corners of the classroom, but as well as through a hands-on experience.
On January 15-21, 2023, some fortunate students had the opportunity to be sent off to National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Sasebo College, Japan for The Sakura Science Exchange Program. The exchange program is participated by John Danielle Y. Sorbetodo, BSChE 4, Edellyn P. Mallare, BSSE, Mary Ferlyn S. Espino, BSCE 4, and Christian Ace L. Martinez, BSME 4, and they are accompanied by the Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Dany C. Molina.
They had the chance explore different sites, such as the floating wind mill construction/installation facility, and had a plant tour at a Hydrogen Energy Test and Research Center. They took pictures to different significant places to experience cultural exchange and for sightseeing. Some of the places are the Nagasaki Peace Park, Maritime Self Defense Force Sasebo Museum, and they went to the famous Sasebo-Koma-Honpo Shop, and Mizunoura Church.
A visit at the floating wind mill construction and installation facility.
The participants said that they are immersed because of how warm and peaceful the people are. The place and the culture are truly one of a kind, for Japan, according to Edellyn P. Mallare, BSSE, has “The harmonious relationship between their innovation and culture”, and that it is truly unforgettable. They are awed by the facilities and advanced technologies, that according to John Danielle Y. Sorbetodo, BSChE 4, “They are indeed the building standards of the future technological advancements.” While Mary Ferlyn S. Espino, BSCE 4, said that she is inspired to share her observations and knowledge to her fellow students and aspiring engineers. As for Christian Ace L. Martinez, BSME 4, he said that “My respect for the field of engineering has increased from my application in this program, and my interest has been piqued even more in pursuing deeper academic knowledge.”
Plant tour at a Hydrogen Energy Test and Research Center with a Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicle at the background.
It is very remarkable that this one-of-a-kind experience will forever be embedded to the hearts and minds of these students and aspiring engineers. They will be able to make this a stepping stone to embark on their own journey in the future, and it will be impossible to do so if not because CPU’s endless support.
As stated by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean College of Engineering, “The strong support of the university in this (and other) international exchange program is a concrete manifestation of the university’s commitment to global education at CPU. The exchange program gave us an actual glimpse of how innovative and proactive Japan is in terms of technology development. It also gave us opportunities to experience different cultures and perspectives, traditions and customs, and meeting new people. Overall, it widened our perspectives in terms of apprehending the value of collaboration and supporting each other.”