Marking a milestone in cross-border education, Foundation University in Dumaguete City hosted its first-ever hybrid completion ceremony in partnership with Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University (GDIPU), Guangdong, China on May 20, 2026.
The landmark initiative in academic collaboration witnessed the conferral of certificates of completion to the pioneering 12 sophomore students in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Marketing Management Integrated Program between the two universities. The first of its kind in the history of Foundation University that is set to celebrate her 77th founding anniversary on July 4 this year, the hybrid ceremony established a new standard for international academic partnership between the two countries.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management under the collaboration program with GDIPU is designed to provide students with quality business and marketing education enriched with global and industry-based perspectives.
The program integrates core concepts in marketing, management, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and strategic business planning while promoting international academic collaboration and cultural exchange.
Through the collaboration with GDIPU in a period of three weeks, the 12 students were able to gain broader exposure to global business practices, innovative learning approaches, and cross-cultural experiences that enhanced their competitiveness in the international business environment.
As a consequence to this breakthrough program, it aims to develop graduates who are competent, adaptive, technologically skilled, and prepared for careers in marketing, sales, advertising, business development, and entrepreneurship.
The 12 completers are Miles Ethan Chua, Precious Rolyn Daniel, Mary Elloreg, Orly Jane Germones, Carmela Joy Guingona, John Miles Anthony Mamon, Lorine Jeane Mondejar, Krystel Sheene Quinones, April Grace Ramacho, Carlluiz Tan, Farrahyen Lianne Tito, and Carl Andre Villaraza.
In addition, three best performing students were assessed and chosen by instructors of the College of Business Administration of Foundation University. They are Mamon, Mondejar, and Tan.
Victor Vicente Sinco, president of Foundation University, intoned that “this was an invaluable experience for all,” especially “with the advent of enhanced learning and application, and as the university strives to be more relevant in the international professional experience.”
Sinco’s sentiments were resonated by GDIPU president Yang Xinbin who welcomed the partnership and wished for more similar endeavors in the future. He also extended an invitation to the pioneering cohorts to visit China, while at the same time expressed his enthusiasm to meet the delegation from Foundation University in a forthcoming visit. In 2025, two instructors from GDIPU visited Foundation University and met with students as part of a faculty exchange program.
In his message, Dr. Rodelle Dacumos, one of the instructors from Foundation University in the integrated program, witnessed how the students became more confident, more creative, more analytical, and more globally aware in their perspectives. “From classroom discussions to practical activities and collaborative learning experiences, it was inspiring to see students embrace new ideas, adapt to international standards, and continuously challenge themselves to improve,” Dacumos expounded. He likewise acknowledged his GDIPU counterparts “for the depth, relevance, and practicality of the learning materials they shared with us.”
In the same manner, Li Yunying, teacher of GDIPU’s School of Economics and Management and one of the instructors in the program, reflected on the experience as the objectives aligned with goals that are shared between the two universities. The students also revealed their respect and awe to Ms. Li and to their other teachers as they have all exemplified the embodiment of expertise and knowledge sharing.
According to Mamon in his testimonial on behalf of his classmates, every lesson in each subject was filled with valuable knowledge and real-world experiences.
“In a short period of time, we learned so much — from live selling, content creation, cross-border e-commerce, digital marketing, and supply chain management — to many other skills that we know we will be able to use in the future,” enthused Mamon. He added: “Beyond academics, one of the most memorable parts of this journey was the experience of learning from instructors from another country and being able to exchange cultures, ideas, and perspectives with them. It made every class more enjoyable, meaningful, and unforgettable for all of us.”
As the first cohorts of the integrated program were mentored by the best from both institutions, Dr. Ligaya Mae Concepcion, dean of the College of Business Administration of Foundation University, conveyed her hope “that the program will continue to grow and create more opportunities for students in the future.”
With the inception of the partnership between Foundation University and GDIPU, it signals the onset of future collaboration and a shared commitment to academic excellence amid the call for greater global and international engagement. | NWI
