The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) and Filipino Academy (FA) formalized their educational partnership as they signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in a ceremony held on June 4, 2025, at the Ibis Hotel Building, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The partnership signifies a significant step towards expanding academic opportunities for Louisians and Overseas Filipino Workers, and reflects a shared dedication to quality education and a commitment to working together to ensure the successful implementation of the programs stipulated in the MOA. With an emphasis on efficiency, this collaboration aims to foster a positive impact on the academic landscape, benefiting students and faculty members from both institutions.
Through the formalization, the university anticipates various initiatives, including internship opportunities, student and faculty exchange programs, marketing and promotion collaborations, FA’s provision of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) training in the Philippines through USLT, and FA’s scheduled visit to the university during the first week of August 2025. One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration is the offering of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). This CHED-recognized program provides an opportunity for our experienced and skilled OFWs to earn a college degree by recognizing their prior learning, work experience, and competencies.
Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., University President, along with Dr. Luisa B. Aquino, VP for Academics, and Dr. Anjanette F. Batulan, Director for GloCal Partnerships and Engagement, sealed the partnership on behalf of the university.
The Louisian delegation was warmly received by the FA representatives, including Dr. Adnan Khaleel Ahmad Abu Odeh, Founder and Director, Filipino Academy and AIAL Group; Joyleen F. Hapinat, MBA, MBM, FA CEO; Ruthmar N. Fuentes, FA COO; Melanie V. Marquez, MaEd, FA Head of Academic Services; Carrence R. See Sun, FA-Sharia Branch Manager; John Stephen Dela Paz, FA-Abu Dhabi Branch Manager; and Glen A. Danas, FA Marketing Manager.
The new collaboration signals a promising start of a mutually beneficial relationship, promoting mutual understanding between diverse communities. This joint effort will further enhance the presence of USLT on the international educational stage.
Meanwhile, the university anticipates forging a formal partnership with Thumbay University Hospital, located in Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman, UAE, and the largest private academic hospital in the Middle East Region for the internship programs of Nursing, Medical Technology, and Pharmacy, and employment opportunities for USLT health programs graduates.
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