Two days after the successful conclusion of iconED 2025, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) formalized partnerships with two regional higher education institutions—Hong Bang International University (HIU) of Vietnam and MILA University of Malaysia. The back-to-back signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was held on 15 September 2025, at the RISE Tower in OLFU’s Valenzuela City Campus.
The University’s Center for Professional Development and Academic Partnership (CPDAP) continues to steer OLFU’s internationalization agenda.
The morning session saw the official visit of HIU’s delegation led by Vice President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy. She was welcomed by OLFU President Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez, together with college deans who outlined areas for future collaboration, including research initiatives and student and faculty exchanges.
Among those present were Dr. Chona Araga, Head of the Medical Students Assembly of the OLFU College of Medicine, together with a team of medical officials; Dean Hernan Labao of the OLFU College of Physical Therapy; Assistant Dean Anbel Bautista of the OLFU College of Pharmacy; and Maybelle Anne Zamora, Program Head of the College of Nursing in OLFU Quezon City Campus, among others.
The discussions were further enriched by the participation of HIU’s Prof. Nguyen Thi Huong, Dean of the College of Physical Therapy, and Nguyen Ngoc Van, Specialist from the Institute of International Education and Engagement.
In the afternoon, OLFU leaders engaged with Prof. Graham Kendall, Vice Chancellor of MILA University. Dr. Enriquez was joined by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Heracleo Lagrada and OLFU Valenzuela City Campus Administrator Dean Ernesto Leuterio Jr.
Representatives from various colleges also took part, including Prof. Raymond Macatangga (Dean, OLFU College of Computer Studies), Program Heads Arsenia Gallardo (OLFU College of Business and Accountancy), Gemili Cabatic (OLFU College of Hospitality and Institutional Management).
Wenri De Guzman, Program Head of AB Communication in OLFU Pampanga Campus, expressed the importance of cross-cultural communication in navigating the evolving global academic environment.
The dialogue also highlighted pressing themes such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, curriculum consultation, and advancements in technology and engineering.
Both affairs concluded with the signing of MoU, underscoring OLFU’s commitment to advancing cross-border academic cooperation and supporting the national thrust toward internationalization.
Guests were also given a tour of the OLFU Valenzuela City Campus, including the newly inaugurated building at the RISE Tower Complex, emphasizing the University’s investment in state-of-the-art facilities and modern pedagogies.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
