By Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus and Universitas Islam Negri (UIN) Imam Bonjol Padang solidified their partnership in the Second SeIBa International Festival. The event took place on September 23 to 29, 2024 in Padang, Indonesia. It provided an important platform for cultural exchange and understanding through lectures, cultural displays, campus tours, and a grand gala dinner held at the Governor’s Auditorium.
The MSU delegation, led by Prof. Melba M. Angni, Executive Director of MSU-International Affairs and Linkages Office, included distinguished faculty members and cultural experts such as Prof. Abdul Jabbar D. Lucman, Marketing Department Chairperson, Prof. Charlou A. Bautista, CBAA Faculty Member, and Mohammad-Ali Hadji Usman, Artistic Director of Sining Pananadem. Accompanying them were members of Sining Pananadem, namely Asnor A. Macadato, Amanoden S. Panonde, and Ayman M. Mangurun, who showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Meranaw people through captivating performances and presentations.
MSU’s participation in the festival underscored the university’s commitment to international collaboration and diplomacy and demonstrated its dedication to fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting peace and understanding. The partnership between MSU and UIN Imam Bonjol Padang is expected to further strengthen academic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Indonesia. This collaboration also aligns with MSU’s role as a National Peace University and a champion of Mindanao’s diverse cultural heritage.