The UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinung贸d successfully held the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the UPD鈥揨amBaSulTa Collaboration, marking a significant milestone in academic partnership and community engagement across Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Held at the Office of the Chancellor鈥檚 Conference Room, Quezon Hall last October 15, 2025, the ceremony formalized the collaboration between University of the Philippines Diliman and various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the ZamBaSulTa region such as the Western Mindanao State University, Basilan State College, Sulu State College, MSU-Tawi-Tawi, and MSU-Buug. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in faculty development, joint research and publication, and indigenous languages vitality programs, while promoting sustainable academic growth and regional inclusivity.
Among those present at the signing for Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) were WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena; University and Board Secretary Dr. Al- Ghani Mohammad; Board of Regent (Private Sector Rep) Hon. Inocente P. Locson; and the Finance Team headed by Finance Director, Ms. Rosalie T. Arcillas; Finance Supervising Officer Mr. John Paul S. Alvarez and the focal person of WMSU to UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinung贸d program Dr. Melanie F. Lear. Their attendance underscored institutional support and the unified effort to operationalize the collaboration鈥檚 objectives.
The partnership builds on continuous coordination and dialogue since 2023, focusing on knowledge sharing and best practices in higher education. It represents a shared commitment to address the realities of communities in Southern Philippines and promote inclusive, research-driven development.
Through this partnership, UP Diliman and the participating universities reaffirm their shared mission of empowering local communities, preserving cultural diversity, and advancing education and research for regional and national development. The ZamBaSulTa Collaboration exemplifies the University鈥檚 continuing commitment to service-oriented academic engagement and inclusive growth across the Philippines.
