Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) welcomed a delegation from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU), Philippines, for a benchmarking visit and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Integrated Laboratory on Monday, April 28, 2025. This initiative marks a strategic step to strengthen synergy in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education between the two institutions.

The ISATU delegation, comprised of campus administrators—Ramon N. Emanuel Jr., Ph.D., Solimar Familaga Moradas, Marjohn Thomas N. Conlu, Ph.D., Lance Jay Tristeza Montalban, Marta Luisa N. Eiman, MPA, Ria T. Monsale, M.A., Saloune R. Magbanua, Ph.D., and Noeme C. Mosura, DBM-UM—was warmly welcomed by UNIPMA leadership.

The event opened with remarks by Dr. Rosita Ambarwati, M.Pd., who represented UNIPMA in extending a welcome to the entire delegation. “Welcome to all ISATU delegates from the Philippines. This visit not only strengthens inter-institutional relations but also serves as a strategic move to enhance higher education capacity through broader international collaboration,” she said.

Vice Rector for Institutional Cooperation, Dr. Jeffry Handika, M.Pd., stated in his speech that the benchmarking and MoU signing marked a strategic momentum to expand cooperation in education, research, and community service.

“We warmly welcome this visit as part of our joint efforts to enhance the quality of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Through this partnership, we can exchange ideas, enrich academic experiences, and together build a more superior future generation,” said Dr. Jeffry Handika, M.Pd.

Meanwhile, ISATU representative Ramon N. Emanuel Jr., Ph.D., expressed deep appreciation to UNIPMA for the warm and cordial welcome. He introduced the accompanying team and conveyed his hopes that this collaboration would open many opportunities for advancing higher education in both countries.

The event included in-depth discussions on the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, sharing of best practices, and exploring collaborative opportunities in academic and research programs. The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which covers inter-program cooperation in: Accounting, Sports Science, Management, Diploma in Tax Management, English Education, Indonesian Language and Literature Education, History Education, Biology Education, Natural Science Education, Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD), Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Informatics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, as well as Master’s and Graduate Programs in Social Sciences.

Beyond the MoU signing ceremony, the ISATU delegation also had the opportunity to experience Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through a variety of activities, including introductions to batik, culinary exploration, visits to historical sites, and local tourism.

Also present at the event were Dr. Elva Nuraina, S.E., M.Si. (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs), Dr. Marheny Lukitasari, M.Pd. (Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs), Dr. Cicilia Novi Primiani, M.Pd. (Dean of FIKS), Dr. Sardulo Gembong, M.Pd. (Dean of FKIP), Dr. Anggita Langgeng Wijaya, S.E., M.Si., Ak., C.A., CPA (Dean of FEB), Dr. Siska Diana Sari, S.H., M.H. (Dean of FH), Dr. Dwi Setyadi, M.Pd. (Dean of Graduate School), as well as UNIPMA's program heads.

Through this initiative, UNIPMA reaffirms its commitment to expanding global cooperation and continuing to innovate in enhancing the quality of education, research, and community service. The synergy with ISATU Philippines is expected to open broader collaborative opportunities to support the advancement of higher education on the international stage.