The academic and research partnership between UP Visayas (UPV) and University of Trunodjoyo Madura (UTM) – Indonesia officially kicked-off with a week-long visit by a UTM delegation from November 3 to 8, 2026.
UPV welcomed representatives from UTM Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Insafitri Insafitri, Coordinator for Master Program for Marine Science, and Prof. Dr. Wahyu Andy Nugraha, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, to launch a series of collaborative initiatives and formally hand over the signed agreement.
On November 3, Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro, Dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), led the collaboration meeting, which was also attended by the institute directors, namely Prof. Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liberty N. Espectato, College Secretary Asst. Lhumen A. Tejano, CFOS Research Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno, and CFOS Coordinator for External Linkages Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mary Grace C. Sedanza.
The discussion focused on expanding academic cooperation, including co-development of dual programs for undergraduate and graduate programs.
One of the highlights of the visit was a special lecture on microplastics by Prof. Insaftri on November 4 at AV 107 Pidlaoan Hall. Titled “Microplastic Contamination in Coral Reef Ecosystems of Madura, Indosina: Characteristics and Abundance across Corals, Sediments, and Seawater,” the study was conducted in partnership with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lumayno of the Institute of Aquaculture, CFOS.
The visitors will also tour the UPV and CFOS research and laboratory facilities as well as explore joint research activities with Dr. Lumayno.
The activities mark the formal implementation of the 5 -year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) forged between UPV, through CFOS, and UMT, through its Faculty of Agriculture.
The agreement was executed by UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano and UTM Rector Prof. Dr. Safi’, S.H., M.H., primarily aimed to advance joint research, faculty development, and student mobility.
Dean Monteclaro and UTM Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Zainul Hidayah signed as witnesses to the agreement and will serve as the primary administrators in the implementation of the agreement.
Under the MOU, both institutions will collaborate on research and academic programs in all the areas and disciplines offered at UPV-CFOS and UTM-Faculty of Agriculture. The partnership facilitates exchange of faculty and researchers and provides academic support to scholars completing their master’s theses or doctoral dissertations.
Additionally, the MOU enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to study at the host institution tuition-free, paying enrollment fees only to their home university.
Both institutions will also engage in joint research projects, co-publish scholarly findings, share reference materials and academic literature, and open exchange opportunities for administrative and secretarial staff across departments, libraries, and research centers.
Text and photos by Lenilyn B. Gallos
