UNO-R and Grow Forward JP, Inc. renewed their partnership, expanding opportunities for student exchange, cultural immersion, industry exposure, and international learning experiences.
The renewal was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the President’s Office today, August 25, 2026.
The partnership opens more opportunities for cultural exchange, industry exposure and educational tours, student exchange, and collaborative learning between UNO-R Senior High School students and their Japanese counterparts in Matsuyama Nishi Secondary High School and Uchiko High School.
“Through these initiatives, our students are immersed in partner schools in Japan, where they learn, interact, and collaborate with Japanese students through academic activities and shared experiences,” said Fr. Alve.
Student participants also visited heritage sites and culturally significant places and gained exposure to industries aligned with their academic and professional interests.
Dr. Pascual-Dormido, Director for Internationalization, said that the partnership has already provided meaningful experiences for UNO-R students.
Dr. Pascual-Dormido, Director for Internationalization said, the partnership has already created meaningful experiences for the students, citing that on November 5–11, 2025, 18 UNO-R Integrated School Senior High School students participated in a student and cultural exchange program in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
Mr. Watanabe, general manager of Grow Forward said, on August 24, parents and 21 UNO-R Senior High School students also participated in an orientation they conducted in preparation for their upcoming week-long student exchange and cultural immersion program in Japan on the first week of November at UNO-R’s partner institution, Matsuyama Nishi Secondary High School.
Fr. Alaras in his message during the signing ceremony said, “From classrooms to communities, and from Negros to Japan, UNO-R continues to create global learning opportunities that allow our students to experience the world, build friendships across cultures, and become more globally minded and future-ready.”
The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR, University President, and Mr. Kiyota Watanabe, General Manager of Grow Forward JP, Inc. Witnessing the signing were Rev. Fr. Leo G. Alaras, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research; Ms. Ana Bea Montenegro, Grow Assistant Manager II; Mr. Harry Magluyan, UNO-R Integrated School Principal and Dr. Yasmin Pascual-Dormido, LPT, Director for Internationalization. Mr. Kit Martin De Paula, OIC Marketing Director, served as Master of Ceremonies.
