Romblon State University met with representatives from NOHA–Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, on 26 February 2026 to explore collaborative initiatives in humanitarian education and capacity-building. Discussions highlighted the proposed NOHA Protection Training in the Philippines, designed to enhance field-based protection strategies for civilians and promote the principle of “protection by presence.” Both institutions expressed readiness to formalize cooperation and pursue Erasmus+ programs, reinforcing shared goals of strengthening humanitarian practice and fostering international academic engagement between ASEAN and Europe.
On 26 February 2026, an exploratory meeting was held between the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) - Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, represented by Dr. Will Wright, and delegates from Romblon State University (RSU) led by University President Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani. The meeting focused on identifying strategic areas for collaboration in humanitarian education, capacity-building initiatives, and regional partnership development.
One of the key agenda items was the proposed NOHA Protection Training in the Philippines, tentatively scheduled for May 2026. The program aims to enhance protection strategies for civilians in conflict-affected settings, highlighting practical, field-based approaches and the principle of “protection by presence,” particularly in the southern Philippines. The training will be open to humanitarian practitioners from ASEAN Member States through an official call for applications to be issued by the NOHA team.
President Dr. Mani reaffirmed RSU’s strong commitment to supporting NOHA-Germany initiatives and emphasized the university’s openness to international academic collaboration. Present during the meeting were Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation (REDi), and Mr. Gregorio A. Florendo Jr., Director of the Extension Services and Community Engagement Office, who were identified as key focal persons for local coordination and program implementation. Dr. Fetalvero underscored RSU’s institutional readiness and capacity to host humanitarian training activities in partnership with NOHA. Meanwhile, Dr. Gianinna Elaine Labicane, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, suggested the possibility of organizing a short humanitarian training session for RSU student leaders, faculty, and staff engaged in extension and community programs, subject to feasibility and further discussion.
The meeting also explored broader collaboration opportunities. Mr. Nicky C. Cardenas presented potential joint engagements under Erasmus+ EU-funded programs, including Capacity Building for Higher Education, International Credit Mobility, Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange, and Erasmus Students and Alumni Alliance initiatives. These avenues are expected to strengthen academic mobility, institutional development, and ASEAN–Europe higher education cooperation.
Participants further discussed formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between RSU and the NOHA Consortium, which will be presented for consideration at the upcoming NOHA Board meeting. RSU expressed its willingness to endorse the proposed training to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for national recognition and to assist with visa facilitation for NOHA delegates.
The meeting concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, with both institutions expressing shared commitment to advancing the NOHA Protection Training initiative and expanding long-term strategic cooperation. The dialogue laid a solid foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at strengthening humanitarian education, protection practices, and interregional partnerships between ASEAN and Europe.
One of the key agenda items was the proposed NOHA Protection Training in the Philippines, tentatively scheduled for May 2026. The program aims to enhance protection strategies for civilians in conflict-affected settings, highlighting practical, field-based approaches and the principle of “protection by presence,” particularly in the southern Philippines. The training will be open to humanitarian practitioners from ASEAN Member States through an official call for applications to be issued by the NOHA team.
President Dr. Mani reaffirmed RSU’s strong commitment to supporting NOHA-Germany initiatives and emphasized the university’s openness to international academic collaboration. Present during the meeting were Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, Vice President for Research, Extension, Development, and Innovation (REDi), and Mr. Gregorio A. Florendo Jr., Director of the Extension Services and Community Engagement Office, who were identified as key focal persons for local coordination and program implementation. Dr. Fetalvero underscored RSU’s institutional readiness and capacity to host humanitarian training activities in partnership with NOHA. Meanwhile, Dr. Gianinna Elaine Labicane, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, suggested the possibility of organizing a short humanitarian training session for RSU student leaders, faculty, and staff engaged in extension and community programs, subject to feasibility and further discussion.
The meeting also explored broader collaboration opportunities. Mr. Nicky C. Cardenas presented potential joint engagements under Erasmus+ EU-funded programs, including Capacity Building for Higher Education, International Credit Mobility, Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange, and Erasmus Students and Alumni Alliance initiatives. These avenues are expected to strengthen academic mobility, institutional development, and ASEAN–Europe higher education cooperation.
Participants further discussed formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between RSU and the NOHA Consortium, which will be presented for consideration at the upcoming NOHA Board meeting. RSU expressed its willingness to endorse the proposed training to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for national recognition and to assist with visa facilitation for NOHA delegates.
The meeting concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, with both institutions expressing shared commitment to advancing the NOHA Protection Training initiative and expanding long-term strategic cooperation. The dialogue laid a solid foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at strengthening humanitarian education, protection practices, and interregional partnerships between ASEAN and Europe.
