Isabela State University (ISU) formally sealed an international academic collaboration with VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, through a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on October 1, 2025 at the Alba Hall, ISU Echague Campus.
The partnership aims to advance academic and research opportunities between the two (2) institutions by exchange programs, joint projects, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that extend beyond classrooms.
Under the agreement, ISU and VIVES committed to a continued program of exchanging information across various educational and applied research endeavors involving all concerned faculties. The collaboration will not only focus on educational exchange but will also encourage linkages with enterprises, service centers, hospitals, industries, and community organizations.
Specifically, the cooperation will cover a wide range of activities such as the exchange of undergraduate students for study and placement, as well as the mobility of teaching and academic staff to enhance cross-cultural academic experiences. Both universities also agreed to pursue cooperative applied research and development initiatives and to undertake collaborative teaching projects, including joint degree programs, conferences, and symposia.
The partnership further extends to curriculum review and development, complemented by the exchange of academic materials, and benchmarking of best practices to strengthen institutional growth. Beyond these areas, the agreement allows for any other mutually beneficial initiatives that may arise, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of the collaboration.
University officials from ISU and VIVES expressed optimism that the MOU will open wider horizons for global learning, applied research collaborations, and innovation-driven development for both institutions and their partner communities.
Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) emphasized that the MOU reflects the University’s conviction that knowledge transcends boundaries and that collaboration serves as a powerful catalyst for growth in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.
“As we move forward with this collaboration, with the Memorandum of Understanding, let us be guided by the conviction that education is not just about learning within the walls of the classroom but also building communities and transforming lives,” Dr. Batang added.
On the other hand, Ms. Lies Verstraete (Global Engagement Officer, VIVES), also expressed that the signing of the MOU highlights the recognition that internationalization is no longer a luxury in higher education, but a necessity.
“This MOU for us is more than an agreement on paper, it’s a commitment to continue shaping opportunities for all our students, enrich all of our staff, and contribute positively towards society,” she said.
The agreement with VIVES is part of ISU’s continuing efforts for internationalization and its vision of becoming a globally recognized institution of higher learning, committed to excellence, inclusivity, and community transformation.
