The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Universidad de Málaga (UMA) of Spain, represented by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion and UMA President Jose Angel Narvaez Bueno, respectively, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for doctoral students on February 1, 2023 at the Board of Regents Room in Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Concepcion said the event marks “a new milestone in the partnership” between the two universities. According to the MOA, graduates of the UP College of Law can enroll in a doctoral program at the UMA each academic year until the students complete their entire program. They may also choose between Spanish or English language courses.
“I welcome this opportunity for graduates of our Law School to further deepen their knowledge and understanding of Philippine law and legal education, by studying in a university as renowned as the UMA, and in a country that shares strong historical, cultural and legal ties with the Philippines,” Concepcion said.
“Through this Agreement, UP can help build up the country’s pool of legal experts and researchers who can push for much needed legal reforms and generate innovations that will enable our legal system to better respond to 21st century challenges and more firmly uphold the values of freedom, equality, democracy, justice, and respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Concepcion added.
The agreement is aligned with the objectives of the “Capacity building for Legal and Social Advancement in the Philippines” or CALESA project funded by the European Commission and coordinated by UMA with other international partner institutions in higher education.
UMA Rector Bueno was accompanied by Professor José Manuel de Torres Perea, who is also the Project Coordinator of CALESA.
Bueno said that the partnership provides the two universities new opportunities to work, grow and learn together in building a better world.
The MOA signing was attended by UP System and UP Diliman officials: Vice President for Administration Nestor G. Yunque, Vice President for Public Affairs Elena E. Pernia, Vice President for Development Elvira A. Zamora, Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents Roberto M.J. Lara, Vice President for Legal Affairs Hector Danny D. Uy, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) and Office of International Linkages Director Imee Su Martinez, Diliman Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo, Office of International Linkages Diliman Director Carlene Perpetua P. Arceo, College of Law Dean Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, College of Law Associate Dean Solomon F. Lumba, and College of Law Professor Ma. Gabriela “Gaby” Roldan-Concepcion.
