Laying Groundworks for Academic Partnership Between Foundation University and UP-Cebu

Faculty members of the University of the Philippines-Cebu’s Product Design Program visited Foundation University on Monday, 22 September 2025. This was an exploratory meeting to initiate a conversation and explore possible collaborations between the two institutions.

University Chancellor Dr. Charlotte Carino sat in dialogue with the delegates, together with Fine Arts Program Head Sandra Palomar-Quan, Fine Arts faculty member Kevin Alex Piñero and Greyhounds Innovations director Cyril Mapula. Conversations centered on how design programs can strengthen ties through joint workshops, resource sharing, and projects that create measurable community impact.

UP Cebu conveyed its interest in linking with Foundation University to widen the scope of creative learning opportunities, with both institutions agreeing to continue discussions for future partnership initiatives.

The Product Design Program at UP Cebu is a studio-based professional degree that immerses students in material studies, design thinking, and hands-on prototyping. Alongside its creative foundation, the program integrates courses in design management and professional practice, preparing students to engage with industry, the craft sector, education, and community-driven projects. The Foundation University Fine Arts Program shares a similar commitment to bridging academic instruction with real-world application, making the dialogue between the two universities a promising first step toward future cooperation.