Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) continues to expand its international network through the strengthening of global academic collaborations. On May 20, 2026, six lecturers from UMPWR received a warm welcome from the President and Vice Presidents of Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), Philippines, during an international academic partnership agenda held at the MPC campus.
The UMPWR delegation was led by Dr. Jeki Mediantari Wahyu Wibawanti, M.Eng., M.Si., Head of the International Affairs Office (KUI), accompanied by lecturers from the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics, namely Dr. Intan Puspitasari, S.E., M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Dr. Murry Harmawan Saputra, S.E., M.Sc., Fitri Rahmawati, S.E., M.M., Ishak, S.E., M.Sc., and Hubi Rahmat Andika, S.M., M.M.
The delegation was officially welcomed by MPC President Dr. Rene M. Colocar along with the university leadership, including Dr. Glen R. Mangali, Vice President for Planning, Research, Extension, Linkages, Quality Assurance, Publication, and Alumni Relations; Dr. Ma. Arra Santos-Baya, Vice President of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Joemel V. Bautista, Vice President for Administration and Finance.
In his remarks, MPC President Dr. Rene M. Colocar emphasized that international partnerships serve as bridges connecting local communities with global ideas while strengthening innovation, financial literacy, and sustainable community empowerment. According to him, educational collaboration not only provides knowledge but also equips students with the ability to create meaningful impacts within society.
Meanwhile, Dr. Glen R. Mangali stated that the collaboration between MPC and UMPWR is expected to generate knowledge and innovation that can uplift communities and contribute to regional and global progress. He added that the event symbolizes a shared vision and commitment to building bridges across nations through education.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Arra Santos-Baya highlighted that the international lecture program with the UMPWR delegation provided students with new insights and broader global perspectives. She noted that international education not only addresses community needs but also broadens perspectives in facing global challenges.
Dr. Joemel V. Bautista also stressed that the relationship between UMPWR and MPC is more than just institutional cooperation. He described it as a partnership built upon the belief that education and compassion can empower ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. He further stated that UMPWR and MPC are now not only partners, but also family united in the shared mission of advancing education.
In addition to partnership discussions and institutional meetings, the program also featured a guest lecture session in which UMPWR lecturers served as speakers for MPC students. The lectures covered topics related to management development, entrepreneurship, business innovation, and strengthening global perspectives in the era of higher education internationalization.
Dr. Jeki Mediantari Wahyu Wibawanti, M.Eng., M.Si., Head of UMPWR’s International Affairs Office, stated that the visit marked an important strategic step in strengthening UMPWR’s international presence.
“We highly appreciate the warm welcome from the leadership of Marikina Polytechnic College. This collaboration serves as an important momentum to expand international academic networks, enhance knowledge exchange, and open opportunities for sustainable cooperation for both lecturers and students of UMPWR at the global level.”
Through this activity, UMPWR once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education, strengthening cross-country collaboration, and promoting adaptive, innovative, and globally competitive education.
