Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far
and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

UP Asian Center hosts 7 Interns from MSU-Marawi

Details

For three years in a row, UP Asian Center (AC) has been hosting students from King Faisal Center for International Relations, Mindanao State University - Main Campus, Marawi City for a one-month internship. The internship kickstarted with an orientation program on 22 June 2026 as the Center officially welcomed seven students. They were: Nour Zarmiah G. Abantas, Sittie Maida S. Abdul, Sittie Asiah S. Datu-dacula, Damiarah A. Mangigin, Sittie Aisha A. Pangandaman, Sitie Mojahida B. Sacar, and Maharabansa M. Tomara.

Dr. Maria Cecilia T. Medina, Professor and AC Coordinator for the TriCollege Ph.D. Philippine Studies Program of AC gave a warm welcome to the seven MSU-Marawi interns. She provided a brief historical background of the University and AC, and an overview of its program.

Ms. Michelle R. Deloria facilitated the introduction and interaction between the MSU-Marawi interns and the AC faculty and staff. Staff representatives introduced the functions of their respective office, and provided an overview of the specific tasks to be given to the interns.

The students were informed about the rules and regulations of the internship program and signed a release of liability waivers. In the afternoon, Ms. Ma. Renelyn Joy C. Buenaventura, Junior Museum Specialist, accompanied the students to a tour within the premises of the Asian Center and the Diliman campus. She provided insights into the history and primary role of the institution, campus life, and an overview of some of the places in the university. 

The culmination of the MSU internship program transpired on 28 July 2026, Tuesday, at the Seminar Room, GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center, UP Asian Center. Dean Noel Christian A. Moratilla gave his warm remarks and was followed by the well wishes from the supervisors from the Library (Ms. Jhonalyn T. Calamanan), Office of the College Secretary (Ms. Mikee Liwyn P. Orcena), Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development (Mr. Carlito M. Tolentino and Mr. John Michael A. Calubag), Research, Publications, and Extension (Ms. Danae M. Pantano), and from the External and Cultural Affairs Office (Dr. Jocelyn O. Celero). 

The highlight of the program was the students’ six-minute video presentation, wherein they reflected on their daily tasks, the challenges they faced, and the new lessons, skills, and knowledge they learned during internship. Some interns imparted their insights in their final narrative reports:

"My internship at the University of the Philippines Asian Center has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. As an intern assigned to the Curriculum and Quality Assurance Office, I was given the opportunity to experience the daily operations of a professional academic institution while developing both my technical and interpersonal skills. Looking back, I realize that this internship was not only about completing assigned tasks but also about learning from inspiring people, participating in academic activities, and discovering more about myself.”---Sittie Aisha A. Pangandaman

“Overall, my internship at the UP Asian Center was more than just a requirement for my academic program—it was a transformative experience that broadened my knowledge, strengthened my professional competencies, and inspired me to become a more responsible, ethical, and dedicated public servant. I will always treasure the lessons I learned and the experiences I shared during my time at the Asian Center, and I look forward to applying them in my future career and service to the community.”---Sittie Asiah S. Datu-dacula

 “More importantly, the internship improved my commitment to lifelong learning and has prepared me to transition from the academic environment to the professional workplace. I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and for the guidance, support, and for those who helped me and encouraged me throughout my internship, which have significantly contributed to my personal and professional development. Thank you very much po”.---Sitie Mojahida B. Sacar
The program concluded with UP Alumna and MSU Practicum Supervisor Prof. Rasmia E. Datusaranao delivering her message of appreciation for the Asian Center’s warm hospitality and handling tokens to each office.

The internship program is a primary area of cooperation between the Asian Center and MSU Main Campus. With the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UP Asian Center and the MSU Main this 2026, the internship program is sustained for the next five years. It aims to guide and prepare the interns for future careers in the government and academic sectors.

More Photos of the Event