Published October 28, 2025 by Campus Information Office
Faculty and students from Cagayan State University-Gonzaga joined the university delegation in the UiTM Cultural Exchange Program at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia from October 27 to November 2. The week-long program aims to promote international collaboration and cultural understanding while reinforcing CSU’s commitment to faculty and student outbound mobility as part of its internationalization initiatives.
The campus delegation includes Dr. Jay Omotoy, Dean of the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA), and three students: Christine Faith J. Piedad from the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy, Jet Siazon from the College of Teacher Education, and Dan Andrei Espiritu from the College of Information and Computing Sciences.
For the student delegates, the program serves as a meaningful platform for personal and academic growth.
“Masaya kasi binigyan ako ng oportunidad na makasali sa student exchange na ito at makaranas ng ibang kultura, bagong paraan ng pag–aaral, at makilala ang mga taong may iba’t ibang pananaw sa buhay. Naniniwala ako na malaking tulong ito sa aking personal at academic growth dahil matututo akong maging mas independent, adaptable, at open minded,” Espiritu, shared.
Piedad expressed her excitement, saying, “Sobrang thankful and blessed ako kasi nabigyan ako ng once-in-a-lifetime experience na makasali sa Student Cultural Exchange Program ng ating university. I am excited to immerse myself with other students, learn from them, and share knowledge with them.”
Meanwhile, Siazon reflected on the honor of being part of the international delegation. “I did not expect to get this opportunity at all. However, being selected as one of the school's representatives is a blessing because I get to represent CSU, particularly the Gonzaga Campus, internationally. This opportunity will help me immerse in the world’s diversity and embrace perspectives that shape a better global community.”
Dr. Jay Omotoy also expressed his gratitude to the University President, Dr. Arthur Ibanez, Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership, and Resource Mobilization, Dr. Ana Marie Cauilan, and Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., CEO of CSU-Gonzaga, for their support and encouragement in making this global learning experience possible.
Through this cultural exchange, CSU continues to uphold its mission of developing globally competent learners and educators, fostering meaningful partnerships, and celebrating cultural diversity across nations.
Photo: Ms. Danica Seriote, CSU-Aparri Aquarius