The Department of History of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has recently concluded a landmark academic initiative that brought its students and faculty into meaningful dialogue with scholars in China. Through the 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 and the 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, the department reaffirmed its commitment to internationalization, historical inquiry, and cultural diplomacy.
The 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 featured a compelling exchange of research between MSU-IIT and Peking University. Mr. Ruhollah Al-Hussein Javier Alonto, a Master of Arts in History student, represented MSU-IIT with a presentation of their findings of an archaeological survey conducted in the Lanao del Sur area. His research focused on Chinese-Meranaw trade relations during the precolonial and colonial periods in Mindanao, offering new insights into the region’s historical connections with East Asia.
Ms. Gao Shuyu, representing Peking University, presented her archival research on the Cavite Port during the Spanish colonial period. Her work highlighted the port’s role in maritime trade and colonial administration, providing a comparative perspective on the Philippines’ historical engagement with global powers.
Alongside the graduate-level exchange, undergraduate students from the BA History program’s International Track participated in a week-long 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 in Beijing. The itinerary blended academic sessions with cultural immersion, beginning with their arrival on October 13.
The students engaged in discussion sessions with scholars from Peking University and toured the campus of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). In the days that followed, they visited major historical sites including the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, surrounding area of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
A key highlight of the trip was the delegation’s visit to the Philippine Embassy in China. There, they were welcomed by Consul Maria May-I L. Fabros, who shared valuable insights on diplomacy, international relations, and the practical applications of historical knowledge. Philippine Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz also addressed the group, emphasizing the role of academic institutions in fostering understanding and easing tensions between the Philippines and its largest neighbor.
The program was made possible through the collaboration of faculty members from China’s top universities. From Peking University’s School of Foreign Languages, Vice Dean Prof. Wu Jiwei, Prof. Shi Yang, and Dr. Ma Yuchen facilitated the exchange. At BFSU’s School of Asian Studies, Vice Dean Prof. Gu Jiayun, Assoc. Prof. Huo Ran, and Assoc. Prof. Xu Hanyi welcomed the MSU-IIT delegation and supported the academic sessions.
The MSU-IIT contingent was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamelyn B. Palattao, Chair of the Department of History, and joined by Asst. Prof. Artchil Daug, and Asst. Prof. Jonah Pearl Agad. Together, they guided the students through the academic engagements and cultural experiences, ensuring that the program remained grounded in both scholarly rigor and meaningful exchange.
Through these twin programs, the Department of History continues to build bridges across cultures and disciplines. By engaging with international partners and immersing students in global contexts, MSU-IIT reaffirms its role as a dynamic hub for historical scholarship and a vital contributor to regional and international understanding.
This international academic initiative of the Department of History advances key SDGs, notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing global learning, research exchange, and academic exposure for students and faculty; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting historical understanding, intercultural dialogue, and academic diplomacy that foster mutual respect between nations; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening institutional collaboration with leading Chinese universities and building sustainable networks for scholarly cooperation. (Courtesy of the MSU-IIT Department of History)
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