The City Government of Taebaek, Gangwon State, South Korea, signed an International Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Municipal Government of Bauang, La Union, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as institutions including Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) at the Farmers’ Hall, Municipality of Bauang on March 6, 2024.
The Understanding aims to establish an organic cooperation system for international students, facilitating human resource exchange between the two countries. Through this MoU, both Bauang and Taebaek envision creating avenues for cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and skill enhancement among international students—with the help of partner agencies and colleges and universities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Municipal Mayor Hon. Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman lll emphasized the potential of international cooperation in enriching educational experiences and preparing students for global citizenship. City Mayor Hon. Sangho Lee echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural exchange in building bridges of friendship and cooperation between nations.
DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., on the other hand, pledges his support for the implementation of collaborative programs and initiatives that would benefit the DMMMSU stakeholders as well. He also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that the partnership would bring, affirming their commitment to active participation and engagement.
Dr. Mark Kristian C. Ledda, the MLUC Head for International Affairs, represented the University during the event.
Initiated through Resolution No. 2006 of Lakewood City Council on April 17, 2006 under Mayor de Guzman, the sisterhood relationship between Bauang and Taebak was born. Taebaek, a city in Gangwon province, is the highest city and a former mining community in South Korea. The specializations to be offered as two-year vocational courses may deal with carbon neutral convergence, future energy engineering, aerospace engineering, geological and environmental sciences, and the steel industry, among many others. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)
