On October 10, 2024, Mabalacat City College (MCC) welcomed Dr. Rob Ferguson, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Management at Vancouver Island University (VIU), Canada, to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at enhancing academic and professional development. Dr. Ferguson met with key MCC officials, including Dr. Marilyn Arcilla, OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs; Jennyfer Merza, MBA, Dean of the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management; the Vice President for Global Relations, Opportunities, and Workforce Development, Raymond John Vergara, MPR and the Assistant Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs, Kevin Aaron Peralta. The discussions focused on establishing meaningful partnerships between MCC and VIU.
Key areas of collaboration discussed included student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and the development of curricula aligned with global standards in hospitality and tourism management. These initiatives aim to broaden learning opportunities for MCC students by providing them with a global perspective and industry-relevant skills. The planned internships, in particular, will allow students to gain hands-on experience in international settings, further preparing them for the global workforce.
For MCC faculty, the collaboration offers opportunities for advanced training and professional development. Exposure to global best practices and participation in international research collaborations will enable faculty to enhance their teaching methods and expand their professional networks. This will not only strengthen MCC as an institution but also raise the quality of education it provides, ensuring its programs remain competitive on a global scale.
Dr. Ferguson's visit marks a significant step in MCC's efforts to foster international partnerships and elevate its educational offerings. By building strong ties with institutions like VIU, MCC aims to expand opportunities for both students and faculty, paving the way for global competitiveness and academic excellence.
