The Global Signature Course held last June 21, 2025, provided an engaging and globally relevant learning experience for BS Biology students from both Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) and Universitas Esa Unggul. Delivered in a hybrid format, the event took place onsite at the Mapúa MCM Global Classroom and online via Zoom, allowing students from both institutions to participate and collaborate beyond borders.
The session explored two insightful topics that highlighted the interconnectedness of biological sciences and global health. The first presentation, “From Wing Veins to Ecosystem Links: Butterfly Biology in the One Health Framework,” examined the ecological importance of butterflies and how their biology contributes to environmental health. The second topic, “The One Health Approach: A Key to Controlling Zoonotic Diseases and Promoting Global Health,” focused on the integration of human, animal, and environmental health systems to address global health challenges more effectively.
Organized by the Mapúa MCM’s Office for Corporate Partnerships – Center for International Program, the event aimed to provide students with a global academic experience, even in an online setting. The featured speakers were Dr. Aimee C. Abdul from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) and Dr. Cri Sajiana Prajna Wekadigunawan from Universitas Esa Unggul. Their expertise and insights brought a valuable interdisciplinary perspective to the discussion.
This initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By addressing critical topics like zoonotic disease control, ecosystem health, and global scientific collaboration, the course empowered students to understand and contribute to global solutions.
The event not only strengthened the academic partnership between the two institutions but also underscored the importance of international cooperation and education in tackling today’s most pressing environmental and health-related issues.