IFSU, Taiwan NCCU collaborate in globalizing studies


As globalization pushes global innovation and cooperation, Ifugao State University (IFSU) responds by strengthening its international linkages for academic cooperation and research collaborations among universities around the world.

With this positive climate and its vision towards a globally recognized University upholding excellence amidst rich cultural heritage, IFSU entered into a 3-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Chengchi University (NCCU) of Taiwan to promote international academic cooperation and research experiences between the two universities.

Under the MOU, both universities agree to exchange academic materials and information; mutually receive educational visits by faculty members and researchers; hold joint international conferences; and conduct joint research projects.

One major highlight of the MOU is to establish a Science and Technology Innovation Center for Taiwan-Philippines Indigenous and Local Knowledge, and Sustainable Studies. The Center is geared to promote the international exchange of research projects and local communities and organizations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

University President, Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon said, “The MOU with NCCU is another big step for us in positioning IFSU in the international arena as a center for indigenous and sustainable development studies.”

Dr. Dugyon emphasized that IFSU, as the lone University in the province of Ifugao that is an indigenous community, takes responsibility in upholding the academic influence for the mainstreaming of indigenous knowledge, systems and practices (IKSP) and in addressing posing challenges in its preservation and conservation.

She added, “Our role in the academe is to ensure the establishment of indigenous knowledge information system that will serve as a benchmark, direction and basis for local policymaking in agriculture, health, natural resources management and certainly, heritage conservation.”

On the other hand, Eulalie D. Dulnuan, Director for the Ifugao Rice Terraces-Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems of IFSU said, “The MOU is a great opportunity for our Ifugao indigenous communities to share and experience international exchange on indigenous and local knowledge. It will be also a platform to showcase our ethnic weaves, woodcarving and other indigenous crafts.”

Signed on May 25, 2019 at NCCU, Taiwan by University Presidents Dugyon and Ming-Cheng Kuo, the MOU shall be in effect for three years with IFSU, University of California Los Angeles; University of Hawaii at Manoa; and National Chengchi University as collaborative partners.//by:Judy C. Baggo