By Mikee Natinga Norico

Key personnel of Central Philippine University, headed by President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (4th from left), and Enderun Colleges, Inc., represented by Dr. Lyndon Avendaño (4th from right), Dean of the School of Business and Management, pose for a photo following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions at the BOT Conference Room.

On June 13, 2026, Central Philippine University (CPU) and Enderun Colleges, Inc. officially formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the BOT Conference Room, establishing a collaborative framework for culinary education initiatives and future academic partnership projects.

The MOU was signed by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Dr. Lyndon Avendaño, Dean of the School of Business and Management of Enderun Colleges, Inc.

Serving as witnesses to the signing were Dr. Merle L. Junsay, CPU Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC); Dr. Maria Amihan Tamayo-Panes, Chairperson of the Tourism Management Program; Asst. Prof. Ma. Medalla P. Baliao, Dean of the College of Hospitality Management; Asst. Prof. Ismael Almajar Jr., Program Coordinator for the Student Internship Abroad and Internationalization Program; and Ms. Daeniel Niccola Soriano, Academic Supervisor of Enderun Colleges, Inc.

Under the agreement, CPU will oversee campus operations and logistics, manage Phase 1 class delivery and faculty recruitment, provide access to facilities and the necessary documentation, coordinate student enrollment and records, and facilitate campus marketing in accordance with the agreed brand guidelines.

Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges, Inc. will contribute curriculum expertise, deliver instruction either at CPU or Enderun, as mutually agreed, establish competency standards and quality assurance frameworks, train and mentor CPU faculty as needed, and support internship referrals through its Office of Career Services, where applicable.

The signing of the MOU reflects the shared commitment of Central Philippine University and Enderun Colleges, Inc. to explore collaborative academic opportunities that strengthen culinary education, enhance faculty and student development, and support future industry-responsive programs through mutually beneficial initiatives.