LNU Marks First Internationalization Milestone for 2026 with Partnership with Universitas Internasional Batam
Leyte Normal University proudly marks its first internationalization milestone for 2026 with the successful forging of a partnership with Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB), Indonesia. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were formally signed on January 6, 2026, affirming a shared commitment to global academic collaboration.
The partnership was signed by Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino, University President of LNU; Dr. Orlando P. Vinculado, Jr., Director of the Center for International Studies, Collaborations, Mobility, and University Rankings (CISCMUR); Dr. Iskandar Itan, Rector of Universitas Internasional Batam; and Dr. Hepy Hefri Ariynato, Vice-Rector for Student Collaboration Affairs of UIB.
This milestone traces its beginnings to an international engagement in Malaysia, where academic linkages initiated by Dr. Myra Abayon opened the pathway for dialogue between LNU and UIB—demonstrating how faculty international exposure translates into meaningful institutional partnerships.
The collaboration was further strengthened during the successful international meeting on November 21, 2025, where both universities recognized strong alignment in academic offerings and a shared vision for global engagement. From this discussion emerged concrete commitments covering academic exchanges, faculty and student mobility, joint research, cultural enrichment, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional benchmarking.
As an exciting starting point, both institutions agreed to prioritize:
-Lecturer exchanges and short-term academic engagements (virtual or onsite), and
-International collaborative research, including joint projects and co-authored publications.
Program heads from several undergraduate and graduate programs of LNU are now actively coordinating with their counterparts at UIB, with preparations underway for lecturer exchanges and the formation of international research teams.
This partnership reflects LNU’s strong resolve to translate global engagement into lasting academic impact—expanding horizons, strengthening scholarship, and positioning the University more firmly on the international stage.
2026 begins with LNU connecting, collaborating, and reaching beyond borders.
Published by: Rico Combinido, IT Support Office