Philippines – Fr George Thadathil Explores Academic Collaboration with the Philippines’ Premier University

19 March 2026

(ANS – Manila) – A significant step toward international academic cooperation was taken when Fr George Thadathil, Global Coordinator of the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS), met with University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez to discuss potential collaboration between UP and Salesian universities and colleges.

The University of the Philippines (UP) is currently ranked as the No. 1 university in the country. In the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2026, UP leads all Philippine institutions, holding the 104th spot in Asia, ahead of Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas.

The dialogue centered on proposals for partnerships with Salesian institutions, particularly in the areas of faculty development and curriculum enhancement. Plans were also outlined for online meetings and possible institutional visits by UP delegates, alongside the exploration of joint research initiatives.

President Jimenez emphasized UP’s ongoing partnerships and collaborative programs with universities across diverse regions, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering global academic exchange.

Fr Thadathil expressed his openness to mediate between UP and the directors of Salesian universities, underscoring the Salesian network’s readiness to engage in meaningful collaboration.

The meeting was attended by key UP officials, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Faculty Development) Ian Kendrich Fontanilla; Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director of the Office of International Linkages Gino Angelo Velasco; Dean Joel Javiniar of the UP Diliman College of Education; Dean Carmen Bettina Bulaong of the UP Diliman College of Architecture; Associate Professor Miguel Blázquez-Carretero of the UP Diliman Department of European Languages; and Assistant Professor Dennis Quilala of the UP Diliman Department of Political Science.

This meeting marks a promising beginning for future collaboration between UP and Salesian Higher Education Institutions in India, with the potential to strengthen academic ties and broaden opportunities for both students and faculty.

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