Marking a significant milestone in industry–academe collaboration in the province, Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union (SLC-SFLU) has officially become the first local academic partner of SM City La Union. With the aim of strengthening institutional linkages and advancing meaningful and impactful collaborations with reputable local organizations, SLC-SFLU officially formalized its partnership with SM Supermalls through SM City La Union. The partnership was sealed through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held on January 23, 2026, at Café Luis, SLC-SFLU, Carlatan, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The opening of SM City La Union on October 17, 2025 marks a significant milestone in the province’s modernization and economic growth. Beyond its commercial significance, the mall presents valuable opportunities for academic–industry collaboration, supporting experiential learning, research engagement, and community-based initiatives. Recognizing this potential, SLC-SFLU, through its Alumni and Job Placement Office, facilitated the formalization of the partnership to advance shared goals and initiatives.
The MOA signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both institutions. SLC-SFLU was represented by its Management Council and office heads, led by Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD. SM Supermalls, meanwhile, was represented by Regional Human Resource Head Ms. Irene J. Peralta; SM City La Union Mall Manager Mr. Drake Lim; Human Resource Manager Ms. Jhona Mae Isla; and other representatives.
The ceremony formally commenced with a solemn prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by the opening remarks of Rev. Fr. Villamar, who expressed SLC-SFLU’s sincere appreciation to SM Supermalls for opening expanded opportunities for the institution’s students, faculty, and stakeholders. In her reply message, read by Ms. Peralta, Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, Group HR Head and Senior Vice President of SM Supermalls, conveyed the company’s gratitude to SLC-SFLU, emphasizing that academic partnerships are vital in strengthening organizational diversity and supporting strategic initiatives that create opportunities for the younger generation.
The program continued with the reading of the event objectives and the introduction of both institutions. SLC-SFLU’s proposed initiatives under the partnership were presented by Ms. Zenaida M. Miranda, Head of the Alumni and Job Placement Office, and Ms. Gloria C. Sison, Head of the Community Extension and CICM Advocacies Office. Ms. Irene J. Peralta, on the other hand, presented SM Supermalls’ initiatives established in collaboration with various academic institutions.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the MOA by the representatives of both institutions. The partnership covers recruitment and job placement activities, internship programs, learning sessions, career fairs, career talks and speaking engagements, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, among others.
This milestone event underscores SLC-SFLU’s strong commitment to fostering meaningful industry–academe partnerships, creating valuable opportunities for its stakeholders—particularly the students—by bridging academic learning with real-world industry engagement.
Words by GAO
Photos by Jehan Arvee M. Fontanos, CIMO Intern
