Sulu State College, under the leadership of Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, officially joined the University of the Philippines–ZamBaSulTa Collaboration through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing held at the Office of the Chancellor’s Conference Room, Quezon Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman on October 15, 2025.

The event marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between UP and various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) areas. The partnership aims to strengthen academic ties and promote shared initiatives in faculty development, research, publication, language vitality, and community engagement.

Representing the University of the Philippines was Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, alongside UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez. The ceremony was also graced by leaders from partner institutions, including:

• Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, President, Western Mindanao State University

• Dr. Sheila G. Magolama, Chancellor, MSU–Buug

• Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, Chancellor, MSU–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

• Dr. Haipa Abdurahim-Salain, President, Basilan State College

• Dr. Abumarwan Hassan, President, Sulu College of Technology and

• Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, President, Sulu State College

Joining from Sulu State College were Dr. Rania Abduraup, Director for International Affairs, and Ms. Krysha S. Macapendeg, SSC Executive Secretary who also took part in the discussions on collaborative directions. The MOU was facilitated by Jowima Ang-Reyes, Director of UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, which serves as the convenor of the UP–ZamBaSulTa partnership.

The collaboration envisions a unified educational alliance that promotes inclusive growth, cultural understanding, and peacebuilding through education. Among the key focus areas outlined under the Five-Point Priorities for Collaboration are:

• Teaching Pedagogy and Innovation

• Community Development and Education in Fishing Communities

• Language Vitality and Indigenous Language Mapping

• Shared Research and Publications

• Knowledge Exchange and Faculty Development

This partnership underscores Sulu State College’s continuous efforts to expand its network of institutional alliances, aligning with its commitment to providing globally competitive and community-responsive education for the Bangsamoro and beyond.

Sulu State College expresses its profound gratitude to the University of the Philippines Diliman – Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, led by Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II and UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, for spearheading the UP–ZamBaSulTa Collaboration.