25 April 2025

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) facilitated the development of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mindanao State University (MSU) and the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV4), aimed at strengthening MSU’s capacity for information documentation and dissemination.

The initiative was set in motion following a recent meeting between CHED Secretary and MSU Board of Regents (BOR) Chairman Popoy De Vera, PTV Chairman Oscar Orbos, and members of the MSU BOR, where key areas of collaboration were identified.

“CHED is committed to supporting this meaningful partnership between MSU and PTV. It is a vital step toward empowering our universities, especially in the regions, to tell their own stories—stories of hope, innovation, and transformation. Mindanao deserves a stronger voice in the national conversation, and MSU is well-positioned to lead that,” De Vera said.

“One of our goals in the Commission is to ensure that we make higher education more visible, more relevant, and more connected to the Filipino people,” he added.

“A state university engaged in communicating directly with the people in joint venture and coordination with a state broadcasting network is a very strong initiative to boost enlightenment, information dissemination, and development particularly in the Mindanao area. The partnership aligns with our vision to serve as a platform for government initiatives and regional voices,” Orbos said.

PTV, as the flagship government television network, will provide technical expertise and media platforms to help MSU produce and disseminate compelling stories about the progress, peace initiatives, and educational achievements in Mindanao.

MSU will gain access to capacity-building programs, technical training, and broadcast opportunities from PTV4.

Moreover, it will not only capacitate MSU to share impact stories and academic achievements but will also open up new feedback channels for educational stakeholders, parents, alumni, and local communities to engage with the university.

“By leveraging PTV4’s nationwide reach and public service orientation, there will be a two-way communication platform which will foster transparency, responsiveness, and community involvement in higher education,” De Vera said.

The partnership also presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance MSU’s Mass Communication Program as it will allow students to access cutting-edge media production tools, real-world internship opportunities, and guidance from media experts in PTV4.

“This collaboration is part of CHED’s broader mission to ensure that HEIs are equipped to tell the stories that matter and showcase their contributions to national development. CHED is committed to assist other HEIs in the country to explore similar opportunities,” De Vera said.

CHED, PTV4, and MSU are working closely and actively to finalize the MOU and formalize the partnership.

PTV is the flagship public television network owned by the Philippine government under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) providing nationwide television and other communications services.

(SIGNED)
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III
CHED Secretary