Enhancing Org Culture & Expanding Innovations: CMC-CIAL Embarks Benchmarking Activity at ADDU

On February 16–17, 2023, Central Mindanao Colleges embarked on a strategic benchmarking activity at the Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City. The activity was initially conceived as a networking opportunity spearheaded by Dr. Mark Gennesis B. Dela Cerna, Director of the Center for International Affairs and Linkages, in collaboration with the College of Teacher Education, and the Center for Social Action.

The benchmarking activity aimed to recognize the best practices of specialized institutes for AdDU which could provide insight into how CMC could create and enhance its current organizational culture and approaches to expanding innovations and initiatives to support its programs in attaining its goals and objectives.

On Day 1, the delegates for benchmarking visited AdDU’s Madaris Volunteer Program, a volunteering service program designed for those who want to work as educators for social justice, peace, and interreligious dialogues, which foster a new environment of shared learning, respect, and cooperation between and among Islamic and Catholic schools toward improving the quality of education in the Bangsamoro communities. The program was originally independent of the institution, but, was later absorbed, making the institution a hub for the development of the project.

Following the Madaris program, the team also visited the University’s Community Engagement and Advocacy Council, an expanded version of CMC’s community extension program. It is divided into two aspects, which are the Community Extension initiatives, and the Advocacy Council. All are composed of different directors and centers that sustain all community extension and advocacy programs of the university.

Thereafter, the delegates visited the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM). The office responds to the vision and mission of AdDU through strategic internationalization rooted in Mindanao realities, identities, histories, struggles, and aspirations. Headed by AIM Director Romulo Vinci Bueza, AIM assists the University Community in initiating, implementing, and maintaining international partnerships and collaborative programs. It fosters cultural understanding, appreciation, and friendship with its international neighbors through formative, experiential, and global learning.

Concluding Day 1, delegates came to visit the Arrupe Office of Social Formation which is the social formation arm of the Ateneo de Davao University. It is responsible for developing students, faculty, and non-teaching staff to be leaders in service of the marginalized and the vulnerable. The office is also responsible for the promotion of faith that does justice following the teachings and examples of Christ and the spirituality of St. Ignatius.

Day 2 opened the opportunity to visit the Mindanawon IP Center, which is an autonomous non-government unit. It strives to serve as a center for the creative and critical promotion of indigenous people’s rights, cultural identity, initiatives, assertions, and social movements. The Center is also among the many programs that offer scholarship programs for members of the indigenous groups all over Mindanao. The office featured a rich and the widest array of research and literature references and materials found within the island.

Following the Mindanawon IP Center, the team visited the Career Center and Alumni Hub, which featured AdDU’s central office accommodating alumni programs and initiatives, such as career opportunities and postings, university alumni involvements, and other alumni projects. The center was intentionally designed as a place to stay for all alumni members for meet-and-greet discussions, and other relevant alumni services that can be offered.

Finally, the benchmarking activity concluded with a visit to the last office, the Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia, a resource center of the Ateneo de Davao University. It aims to provide materials for enhancing the curriculum of values education among the Muslim students of the university. The institute is also a research center. It aims to come up with a research agenda regarding Islamic identities in Mindanao in line with intra- and inter-faith dialogue for nation-building. Also, it aims to support the university in conducting community outreach programs in building relationships with the Muslim communities in Southern Mindanao.

The team had the opportunity to meet and greet with affiliates of the Consulate General of the Japanese Embassy through a professor at Hiroshima University, as well as, an Australian Embassy Official. At the end of the benchmarking activity, the team was able to appreciate and realize the inclusivity and interrelated sectors of the university, working together as a whole, aligned in its vision, mission, and principles in attaining strategic goals and objectives. It is noticeable that among the best practices of the university is the strong embedded adherence to its vision and mission in all aspects of its operations.

(By John Rowuel M. Palabrica,

Edited by ELTM, ICMC )

𝗖𝗠𝗖 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝟳𝟱

𝗖elebrating

𝗠ilestones

𝗖ollectively

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