The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through its School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), hosted a successful virtual cultural exchange with 18 International Studies students from Tokai University, Japan on July 24, 2026, marking another milestone in the University's continuing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and promote global learning. The online exchange brought together International Studies students from both institutions in a meaningful dialogue that celebrated cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and global citizenship. The activity also laid the groundwork for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USJ-R and Tokai University in August 2026, which will further strengthen academic cooperation and intercultural engagement between the two institutions.
In his welcome address, Dr. Le Munalim, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, warmly welcomed the Tokai University delegation and emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful international collaborations. "This exchange is more than just an online meeting—it is a bridge that connects two nations, two universities, and two cultures. Through this initiative, our students become ambassadors of their heritage while developing the global perspectives needed to thrive in an interconnected world," Dr. Munalim said. Representing Tokai University were Mr. Daiki Harada and Ms. Odessa Harada, whose support and coordination made the virtual engagement possible. Joining the USJ-R delegation were Mr. Giovanni Pierro C. Malitao Jr., Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy(DSSP); Dr. Ian Jarabelo, Chair of the Department of Communication, Languages and Literature(DCLL); and Ms. Niel Bird Canoy, Administrative Assistant.
Eighteen USJ-R students proudly represented the University as cultural ambassadors, sharing Filipino culture and engaging in meaningful intercultural discussions with their counterparts from Japan. The student delegates were Antonette Jane Cuaton, Railyn Armenion, Christian Miles Ubalde, Christian Jay Toring, Carl Albert Real, Axle Andra Marie Sumalpong, Reese Jhudiel Villanueva, Juliene Ellice Chin, Jianna Carmel Dalaniel, Veinese Louise Cabusas, Jasmine Eve Mikaela Geverola, Magi Ruth Fernandez, Dan Jhudiel Villaver, Ashly Kate Albiso, Charles Louis Jamili, James Arvil Dabalos, Alexi Angela Del Castillo, and Karina Adel Vestil. These same student ambassadors are expected to welcome Mr. Katsuhiro Sasuga during his visit to Cebu in August 2026 for the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Tokai University and the University of San Jose–Recoletos.
One of the highlights of the program was the announcement that Mr. Sasuga will personally visit USJ-R to formally convey Tokai University's greetings and sign the MOU on behalf of the university. The agreement is expected to establish a strategic framework for long-term collaboration in student mobility, joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, intercultural programs, and other internationalization initiatives that will benefit both institutions. The upcoming partnership reflects USJ-R's continued commitment to expanding global academic networks and providing students with meaningful international learning opportunities that prepare them to become globally competent professionals and responsible citizens. Through partnerships such as this, the University continues to foster cross-cultural understanding while creating pathways for academic excellence and international engagement.
