The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Inc. (UNO-R) and Matsuyama Nishi Secondary School of Japan have sealed an institutional partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), opening avenues for sustained educational collaboration, student mobility, and cultural exchange.
For UNO-R, the agreement was signed by its University President, Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR, underscoring the university’s commitment to expanding international linkages and creating meaningful global learning opportunities. The MOU signing was also attended by the Japanese school’s principal, vice principal, and English teachers, reflecting the participation and support of its academic community in this partnership.
Now on its second year of sending Senior High School students to Japan through this cultural exchange program, UNO-R continues to provide its young learners with opportunities to experience education beyond their local context. This year’s delegation consists of twelve Grade 11 and 12 students participating in the November 2–8, 2026 exchange in Matsuyama. The students are accompanied by Integrated School Principal Mr. Harry S. Magluyan and SHS Assistant Principal Ms. Patricia Luz Suela, MAEd. Through school visits, cultural immersion, and interactions with their Japanese counterparts, the students gain firsthand insights into Japanese culture, education, and everyday life.
For UNO-R, this engagement is part of a broader commitment to making internationalization accessible across educational levels, beginning with the Senior High School community. Anchored on the Augustinian values of Community and Friendship, the partnership advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), affirming the value of international cooperation in shaping globally minded learners.
