PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) welcomed delegates from the University of Tsukuba (UT), Japan, for an academic and cultural exchange visit held from February 27 to March 1, 2026.
The visit aimed to facilitate the fieldwork activities of UT students as part of their academic requirements while promoting collaborative learning and intercultural dialogue between Japanese and Filipino students.
Twelve DNSC students were selected to serve as part of the receiving and immersion team. The participants came from various programs, including Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, and the Global Student Buddies organization.
The delegation was formally received by College President Joy M. Sorrosa, Internationalization and External Affairs Unit Head Mer Jun Q. Cañas, along with vice presidents, deans, directors, and other college officials. As part of their stay, the delegates engaged in immersion activities and visited key local destinations such as the Panabo Mangrove Forest Park, Panabo Seawall, the Night Market in Tagum City, and Freedom Park in Tagum City.
Participants highlighted the cultural exchange as a key component of the visit. Norylie Mendez, president of the DNSC Global Student Buddies organization, described the experience as meaningful.
“Our experience during the Tsukuba delegation visit in DNSC is really unforgettable and full of cultural exchange. Within just a day, we formed a strong bond with Japanese students, exchanging stories of culture as well as innovative ideas,” she said.
The visit allowed students to gain practical fieldwork experience and cross-cultural understanding. Such initiatives contribute to the ongoing efforts of DNSC to enhance its global engagement and support the holistic development of its students.
