On December 2, Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr. finalized the Memorandum of Understanding between The Manila Times College and the Caucasus University School of Journalism, with the signing of the document by University President Dr. Kakha Shengelia at CU’s campus in Tbilisi, Georgia.
This is the first such agreement between Philippine and Georgian media schools and covers exchanges of resources, academic papers, students and faculty, collaboration in curriculum development, and the establishment of a Philippine – Georgian online newspaper, to be run by students of each institution.
“We are very happy to enter into this relationship with The Manila Times College, a very proud and reputable institution,” said Dr. Shengelia. “We look forward to meaningful exchanges with our Philippine colleagues and we wish to thank Consul Cunanan for his support for this project.” For his part, Consul Cunanan praised the leadership of Caucasus University and said the institution was “on its way to very exciting collaborations and synergies with its newest academic partner in Asia.”
The MOU was signed on November 7 by Dr. Isagani Cruz, as President of TMTC and veteran, multi-awarded media practitioner and author, and by Consul Cunanan, as witness.
Located at its main campus in Intramuros Manila, the school is a private tertiary institution and was founded in 2004. The Manila Times College was formerly named The Manila Times School of Journalism and maintains provincial campuses in Olongapo City and Pampanga. It is owned by The Manila Times newspaper (established 1898), the oldest newspaper in the Philippines. Caucasus University, on the other hand, is one of the finest and most progressive and dynamic educational institutions in Georgia and the region. Based in Tbilisi, Caucasus University has a multinational student population and faculty.
Both Dr. Cruz and Dr. Shengelia recognize the potential of partnerships between the Philippines and Georgia, given the media’s important role in their respective countries. Consul Cunanan, for his part, stressed that budding Georgian journalists could learn a lot from respected Philippine media organizations like The Manila Times, which have plenty of experience in the field.
After the signing of the signing ceremony at Caucasus University, Consul Cunanan held a meeting with the school’s officials to discuss possible joint media projects for the students, along with other activities that could expand the university’s engagements in the Philippines.
The Consulate of Georgia, under the leadership of Consul Cunanan, has already established academic MOUs between Caucasus Universityand two leading Philippine schools—Lyceum of the Philippines University and San Sebastian College Recoletos.
