Sorsogon State University continues its effort to strengthen linkages with international institutions as it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Anthropology of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) last August 24, 2024 at the IPED Center, Kiangan, Ifugao.
The ceremonial signing was attended by Dr. Geraldine F. de Jesus, University President; Dr. Abel Valenzuela, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences (UCLA); Dr. Stephen Acabado, Director of the UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies, and Professor of Anthropology; and Dr. Michael John Jamora, Executive Secretary to the SorSU President. The agreement aims to promote international academic cooperation, and the exchange of students, faculty members, and research experiences between the two institutions. In addition, it seeks to develop friendship and mutual interests through (1) an exchange of academic materials and information; (2) mutually receive education visits by faculty member and researchers; (3) exchange of graduate students; (4) organization of joint conferences, symposia, or other scientific meetings on subjects of mutual interest; and (5) engage in other activities to better enhance mutual understanding and collaboration.
Following the signing, Dr. de Jesus delivered a message in which she expressed her sincere gratitude to UCLA, particularly to Dr. Stephen Acabado, for bringing great opportunities to SorSU. Being a fairly young university in the country, SorSU is honored to foster friendship and cooperation with the prestigious UCLA. In addition, she reiterated the commitment of the University to this partnership not only on paper but to make it a reality through future projects that will lead towards academic and institutional development for both parties. Together with the entire SorSU family, she emphasized her unwavering support to whatever endeavor this partnership will pursue.
The friendship between SorSU and UCLA began when Dr. Acabado was invited as a keynote speaker at the Southeast Asian Multidisciplinary Research Expo and Extension Conference (SEAMREEC) last 2023, which is the first international conference organized by SorSU. Then, through the efforts of Dr. Acabado, two faculty members of the University were sent as participants in international academic endeavors. Dr. Michael John A. Jamora joined the Program for Early Modern Southeast Asia (PEMSEA) Archaeological Field School 2023 in Cambodia. The following year, Ms. Justeen Frances D. Manuel was also invited to present her study on indigenous peoples at the International Workshop for Contemporary Application of Indigenous Knowledge in Taiwan.
The MOU signing further cements the growing partnership between SorSU and the UCLA Department of Anthropology. (JFDM)
Photo credit: Ms. Justeen Frances D. Manuel
