The University of San Agustin (USA), Iloilo City, and San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) formally sealed a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 19 September 2025 at the SBCA campus.
The University of San Agustin was represented by Mr. John Paul P. Mondejar, Director of the International Relations Office (IRO), while San Beda College Alabang was represented by officials led by its Rector-President, Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. de Villa, OSB.
The MOU signifies a shared commitment between the two Catholic institutions of higher learning to foster academic cooperation and mutual growth. It envisions future collaboration in areas such as student and faculty exchange, joint academic initiatives, research partnerships, and other programs that cultivate intercultural understanding and global engagement.
In his remarks, Director Mondejar emphasized the spiritual and academic significance of the agreement, stating, “More than a formal agreement, this is a covenant of faith and mission. The Augustinian spirit of Caritas, Veritas, and Unitas finds harmony with the Benedictine charism of Ora et Labora, showing that Catholic education is strongest when our charisms converge in a common mission to form graduates of wisdom, compassion, and service.”
Rector-President Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. de Villa, OSB, also conveyed SBCA’s support for the partnership. He underscored that the agreement not only advances academic cooperation but also deepens the shared mission of Catholic institutions to provide transformative education, form values-driven leaders, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Following the signing, Director Mondejar engaged in a dialogue with Bedan students on current issues in international relations. As part of the academic exchange, a Model United Nations (MUN) Capacity Building Workshop was also conducted, facilitated by Mr. Andres Ceazar P. Bedonia, a senior Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service student of the University of San Agustin and Head of the USA Delegation to the 2025 Jakarta Model United Nations. The workshop introduced practical tools in diplomacy, negotiations, and global governance, highlighting the role of student leadership in advancing international academic cooperation.
This partnership with San Beda College Alabang is part of the University of San Agustin’s ongoing efforts to expand its international connections and enhance its academic profile. Through such collaborations, the University reaffirms its mission of producing Augustinian graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally attuned.
