- June 8, 2026
Strengthening Global Nursing Connections: UEU Indonesia Visits Mapúa MCL for International Nursing Week 2026
By: Cinderella Manalang
In celebration of International Nursing Week 2026, representatives from Universitas Esa Unggul (UEU) Indonesia visited Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) on May 19, 2026, for a meaningful exchange centered on global healthcare education, cultural immersion, and international collaboration. The visit was hosted by Office of the Vice President for External Linkages, Internationalization, and Transnational Education (ELITE) in partnership with Mapúa MCL’s College of Nursing.
The UEU delegation was led by Prof. Budi Mulyana together with students from UEU Indonesia and was accompanied by Dr. Emmillie Joy Mejia, Dean of the Mapúa School of Nursing, Mr. Cyril Gonzales, Head of Industry Partnership and Global Programs, and Ms. Clarice Versoza, International Relations Associate from Mapúa University.
The program officially commenced with a vibrant welcoming activity organized by the College of Nursing students, showcasing Filipino culture while fostering camaraderie among students, faculty members, and guests. Through interactive activities and cultural exchange, participants were able to build connections and create a warm and inclusive environment.
Following the opening activities, Ms. Mariven Pavino, RN, MAN, Dean of Mapúa MCL’s College of Nursing delivered a session titled “Nursing Beyond Borders: Preparing Future Nurses for a Global Healthcare Community.” Her discussion highlighted the evolving role of nurses in today’s healthcare landscape, challenges in global healthcare systems, and an overview of Mapúa MCL’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Dean Pavino emphasized the value of global collaboration in nursing education:
“The visit of our faculty and students from Universitas Esa Unggul was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and foster cultural exchange among future healthcare professionals. Beyond sharing knowledge and best practices in nursing education, the visit allowed our students to engage with peers from another country, broaden their perspectives, and appreciate the global nature of healthcare. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to future opportunities that will continue to enrich the learning experiences of our students and faculty. Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to preparing globally competent, culturally responsive, and collaborative nurses who are ready to contribute to the healthcare needs of an interconnected world.”
The cultural exchange extended beyond the classroom as College of Nursing students guided the delegation around the Mapúa MCL campus, showcasing its advanced and immersive learning facilities, particularly those designed to enhance nursing education and simulation-based learning.
For many student leaders and volunteers, the event became a memorable experience that went beyond hosting responsibilities.
Bianca Lacson, first-year nursing student and Student Council Auditor, shared:
“I genuinely enjoyed having the opportunity to be one of the hosts for such a memorable and special event where the individuals from Universitas Esa Unggul, Indonesia visited Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna. The event gave all institutions the opportunity to share cultures, build new friendships, and foster camaraderie. Most importantly, we all had fun and were able to learn something new.”
Similarly, nursing student Jenna Gloriana reflected on the friendships formed during the visit:
“I had a wonderful time hosting the event and meeting new people. I truly enjoyed talking with them and hearing their lovely stories from back home. It was such a meaningful experience, and it is always nice to connect and socialize with new people.”
In the afternoon, faculty and student delegates from Mapúa University, UEU Indonesia, and Mapúa MCL visited Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center, Mapúa MCL’s base hospital for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The visit allowed participants to gain firsthand exposure to healthcare facilities and hospital operations while understanding healthcare delivery within the Philippine setting.
Reflecting on the hospital visit and overall experience, Joi Franchys Rubi, President of the College of Nursing Student Council, described the exchange as an unforgettable opportunity for friendship, learning, and cultural immersion.
“Visiting Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center was another memorable part of the experience, as it gave both the UEU students and us first-year nursing students valuable exposure to the hospital environment. Overall, the visit was meaningful, inspiring, and filled with unforgettable memories. I hope we will also have the opportunity to visit UEU in Indonesia in the future and continue the friendship we started here.”
As Mapúa MCL continues to strengthen international partnerships and cultivate globally competent healthcare professionals, initiatives such as this demonstrate the institution’s commitment to experiential learning, intercultural understanding, and academic collaboration. The Office of the Vice President for External Linkages, Internationalization, and Transnational Education (ELITE) continues to support programs that expose students to global perspectives and international best practices through meaningful cross-border engagements.
Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Vice President for ELITE, emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding partnerships that create opportunities for students and faculty alike. He noted that Universitas Esa Unggul has been a valued partner institution of Mapúa MCL since 2022, with collaborations spanning faculty mobility initiatives and exchange lecturer arrangements over the past years. Looking ahead, he shared the institution’s intention to further strengthen the partnership by welcoming more Indonesian students to Mapúa MCL through both short-term and long-term mobility programs, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to accessible and impactful internationalization initiatives.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in shaping future-ready healthcare professionals.
