DOrSU Hosts Malaysian Delegates for Week-Long Exchange
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) hosted Malaysian delegates from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for a week-long academic and cultural exchange program aimed at strengthening international cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia.
The program, known as DUAW: Developing Unity Through Academic Waypoint, ran from November 23 to 28 and brought Malaysian faculty members and students to Davao Oriental for academic sessions and cultural exposure. “Duaw,” a Cebuano term meaning “to pay a visit,” served as the name of the initiative.
The delegation began their activities with a visit to the Marine Reserve Park in Samal Island. Academic sessions followed, jointly facilitated by UMT’s Dr. Roslizawati Ab Lah and DOrSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Lea A. Jimenez. Mr. Anthony Amores, FTED faculty member and Oyster Project Leader, also served as one of the lecturers during the academic sessions.
Participants also visited the Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum and the Subangan Museum to learn about the province’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
As the office spearheading DOrSU’s internationalization engagements, Vice President Dr. Lilibeth S. Galvez, together with Global Affairs and International Relations Office (GAIRO) COIL Coordinator Sheena Michelle Badayon and staff member Marivic Espinosa, coordinated the implementation of the DUAW program in collaboration with partner offices and program facilitators.
During the welcome ceremony, DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership serves as a waypoint for continued academic cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
The exchange concluded with a Cultural Night and Closing Program at the DOrSU Dormitory Conference Hall, where Filipino and Malaysian participants presented cultural performances.
As part of DOrSU’s continuing effort to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The DUAW program forms part of DOrSU’s internationalization efforts as the university continues to establish global linkages through academic and cultural partnerships.
