After several years of meaningful coordination, Leyte Normal University (LNU) is thrilled to announce the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) last January 23, 2026. This milestone marks the beginning of an inspiring collaboration dedicated to advancing peace education and international cooperation. IWPG is a global women-led organization that champions sustainable peace through education, international solidarity, and civic engagement, working hand in hand with universities, governments, and civil society groups to nurture a culture of peace across borders.

Through this partnership, LNU and IWPG will collaborate on peace conferences and forums, peace education initiatives for women, students, and children, activities that promote the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War as international law, programs that celebrate peace culture through the arts, collaborative efforts that support the realization of peace, and other joint projects that may be hosted, organized, or participated in by both organizations.

On January 22, 2026, LNU held an International Collaborative Meeting with IWPG, followed the next day by a virtual signing ceremony that formally sealed the agreement. The event was made even more meaningful with the presence of IWPG representatives led by Regional Director Ms. Chloe Kang and LNU President Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino.

We were delighted to be joined by our Vice Presidents, including the representative of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Internationalization, Dr. Myra Abayon, and the Vice President for Student Development, Dr. Joyce M. Magtolis. Also present were Dr. Billy A. Danday, Dean of the College of Education and interim focal person for this partnership, and the Director of the Center for International Studies, Collaborations, Mobility, and University Rankings, Dr. Orlando P. Vinculado Jr., together with the Center’s staff member, Ms. Rinalyn Almanza. Joining them were Dr. Maria Lourdes G. Tan, Prof. Liza Bacierra, Prof. Neil Merillo, Prof. Charry Anne Padullo, and Prof. Michelle Torreros, all of whom proudly took part in bringing this exciting partnership to life.

Huge appreciation as well to the teams who helped make this milestone possible, especially the IT Support Office led by Dr. Mark Laurente and the Public Affairs and Marketing Communications Office headed by Dr. Gillian Villaflor.

Adding to the excitement, LNU President Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino shared an inspiring message during the 2026 International Branch Annual General Meeting of IWPG on January 30, 2026, underscoring the University’s unwavering commitment to global peacebuilding and international engagement.

This is only the beginning. We look forward to many meaningful initiatives ahead as we work together to educate, connect, and build a more peaceful world.

Published by: Rico Combinido | IT Support Office