The discussants in the meeting between UP Mindanao and Lee University on May 20, 2025, are [left-right] Anti-Sexual Harassment Coordinator Rodgessa Lopez, Department of Humanities Chairperson and International Linkages lead Dennis Sumaylo, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Director Michael Gatela, Research Director May Anne Mata, LU students Joshua Garvilla and Will Tidwell, LU Professor Arlie Tagayuna, Davao City resident Trent Pruett, UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, LU student Jon Nelson, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ma. Stella Salazar, and Social Sciences Chairperson Andrea Malaya Ragragio.
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Lee University Associate Professor Arlie Tagayuna met with officials of the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao on May 20, 2025, to explore potential collaborations in academic programs, research, and community extension. The meeting took place at the Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao (CARIM).
Prof. Tagayuna—who spent his youth in Davao and General Santos before migrating to the United States—is a Filipino sociologist affiliated with Lee University in Tennessee. Accompanied by three students and Mr. Trent Pruett, a Davao-based orphanage director, Prof. Tagayuna expressed his commitment to reconnecting with and contributing to development efforts in Mindanao. His research interests span a broad range of social issues, including youth and women’s studies, urban poverty, homelessness, street children, child labor, informal settlements, cooperatives, criminal justice, mental health, and cultural documentation.
UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao welcomed the exploratory visit, noting that potential partnerships align well with the University’s values of honor, excellence, and service, especially as UP Mindanao continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen extension programs across the island.
During the dialogue, Department of Social Sciences Chairperson Andrea Malaya Ragragio invited Prof. Tagayuna to consider a visiting professorship, particularly to support the development of a sociology program. Prof. Tagayuna responded positively, expressing enthusiasm about helping shape the program.
Director May Anne Mata of the Office of Research recommended Prof. Tagayuna for UP’s World Experts Lecture Program, which supports visiting scholars and faculty exchanges.
Further discussions on collaborative possibilities were led by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Stella Salazar, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, Department of Humanities Chairperson and International Linkages Lead Dennis Sumaylo, and Anti-Sexual Harassment Coordinator Rodgessa Lopez.
On the topic of community engagement, Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Director Michael Gatela introduced Rinz Reynold Tayabas, a senior BA Communication and Media Arts student, who shared his experiences as a student volunteer—underscoring the importance of student involvement in public service.
As part of the campus visit, Prof. Tagayuna and his group toured the Department of Human Kinetics, where they engaged in a dialogue with Chairperson Jezreel Abarca and faculty members Jonathan Cagas, Catherine Lariosa, and Erwin Protacio.
Reflecting on his return, Prof. Tagayuna shared, “It’s good to be back. It’s been thirty years.” A proud alumnus of UP Diliman, where he earned his BS in Sociology, he expressed a strong sense of homecoming and a renewed dedication to contributing to Philippine education and community development.
