By Dr. Irving Domingo L Rio, VPAA
Five faculty members from Central Philippine University (CPU) recently completed a successful academic exchange at Universitas Merdeka in Indonesia, delivering lectures, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and strengthening international ties between the two institutions.
Five faculty members from Central Philippine University (CPU) recently completed a fruitful academic engagement at Universitas Merdeka, Malang, East Java, Indonesia, as part of the growing collaboration between the two institutions. Serving as international visiting lecturers, the CPU delegates not only shared their academic expertise but also immersed themselves in cross-cultural teaching, curriculum development, and collegial exchange.
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs and head of the CPU delegation, delivered a series of lectures in Qualitative Research, emphasizing phenomenology and case study approaches. Dr. Chary Joy Gamayon shared her expertise in Cost Accounting and Control and Management Accounting. Engr. Linie Rose Santecera lectured on Designing Safer Roads: Urban Geometric Road Design Challenges in Southeast Asia and Integrating Public Transportation and Traffic Management: Case Studies from the Philippines/Southeast Asia. Dr. Renia dela Peña discussed Decentralization and Regional Autonomy, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of the Philippines, and Customary Law and Practices. Prof. Pauline Marie Wong lectured on Psychology of Education and Play Psychology.
The lectures were well-received by Indonesian students and faculty, creating meaningful dialogues and sparking academic curiosity.
Beyond the classroom, the experience left a lasting impression on the CPU faculty. Each member reflected on how the engagement reshaped their roles as mentors, scholars, and global educators:
Dr. Chary Joy Gamayon: “I had the rewarding opportunity to teach Cost and Management Accounting to bright, enthusiastic students at UNMER. Beyond the classroom, I made it my mission to make learning accounting both fun and engaging. One moment that stood out was when I explained the difference between ‘counting’ and ‘accounting’ with a light-hearted joke: ‘Counting is 1, 2, 3… but accounting is a1, a2, a3!’ The students were both amused and intrigued—it was a simple way to make a memorable point, and their laughter reminded me of the power of humor in education.”
Dr. Renia dela Peña: “Being part of the delegation enhanced my social capital by allowing me to connect with individuals across disciplines. Through collaborative teaching, I learned that while Indonesia and the Philippines share similar governance structures and challenges—such as election-related corruption and the fight for good governance—both also showcase inspiring local innovations, especially in rural leadership, that Filipino leaders can learn from.”
Engr. Linie Rose Santecera: “Presenting complex concepts in engaging and culturally meaningful ways was initially a challenge. Collaborating with the Civil and Industrial Engineering departments through lectures, curriculum reviews, and community service deepened my appreciation for cross-disciplinary solutions to infrastructure issues. The experience was unforgettable, enriched by Indonesian culture, the warmth of its people, and its cuisine.”
Prof. Pauline Marie Wong: “Giving four series of lectures in one week at Universitas Merdeka was truly an experience worth reminiscing. The late-night preparations and the friendships I formed with my Indonesian counterparts and students were experiences I never imagined having as a teacher in CPU. Beyond the academic exchange, I was deeply moved by the hospitality of the faculty—bonding over traditional cuisine and a shared passion for psychology.”
The collaboration included a joint review of academic programs, paving the way for curriculum integration, faculty exchanges, book chapter collaborations, and research partnerships. As Dr. Rio noted, the experience affirmed the value of global competence, with younger colleagues returning as more insightful mentors. The visit was even featured on local television in Malang, Indonesia—underscoring its impact and CPU’s commitment to internationalization.