The University of the Philippines and the University of Rhode Island (URI), USA, officially solidified their partnership to foster academic and cultural exchange.
A ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place on October 19, 2026, at the New Administration Building on the UPV Miagao campus.
UP Visayas Chancellor Clement C. Camposano and URI Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Kristin Johnson spearheaded the ceremonial signing establishing a joint research project, student and faculty exchanges, and shared educational initiatives between the two institutions
The agreement was also formally represented by Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro, Dean of the UPV College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS).
Dr. Elin Torell, Principal Investigator of the Fish Right Project, Interim Director of Research at the Graduate School of Oceanography, and Director of the Coastal Institute at URI was also present to witness the ceremony.
Designed to bolster global academic and cultural ties, the cooperation encompasses student, faculty, and staff mobility programs as well as joint educational initiatives and collaborative research projects. Additionally, the partnership facilitates the exchange of academic materials and publications, joint participation in seminars, conferences, and academic meetings, and further cooperative endeavors mutually agreed upon by both institutions.
Also in attendance to witness the milestone were Dr. Robert Duggleby, URI Coastal Institute International Program Coordinator, Prof. Nygiel Armada, Chief of Party, and Delza Fuentes, Social Mobilization Specialist of the US Department of State Fish Right Program, UPV Vice Chancellor for Administration Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farisal U. Bagsit, and CFOS Coordinator for External Linkages Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mary Grace C. Sedanza, Co-chair and members of the CFOS Committee on External Linkages, Dr. Feby Carmen, Lei Marie Ferando, and Lenilyn B. Gallos.
The UP Office of International Linkages (UP-OIL) and UPV-CFOS will serve as the primary focal points for implementing the agreement.
Official signatories to the MOU include UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Lorraine Pe Symaco, UP-OIL Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director Gino Angelo Velasco, UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, CFOS Dean Harold M. Monteclaro, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mary Grace C. Sedanza.
Text and photos by Lenilyn B. Gallos
