Libyan University President Explores Partnership with Silliman 

Silliman President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III hosted on campus today Dr. Meftah Elmrabet, the President of Zawia University in Libya.  

(L-R)  Dr. Meftah Elmrabet, Dr. Ben S. Malayang III

The visit of Dr. Elmrabet was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Libya and the Embassy of Libya in Manila.  

Zawia is one of Libya’s 12 state universities, ranked third in terms of prestige and strength of programs. It has a student population of over 40,000 students; more than 4,000 of which are graduate and post-graduate students. Some of its professors are Filipinos.

With Dr. Hilconida Calumpong

Dr. Elmrabet expressed interest in collaborating with Silliman in the capacity-building if its faculty. Two of the areas identified were information, communication and technology and English. He also envisions strong partnership in research in the fields of engineering, healthcare and medicine, and expressed openness to a tie-up in the future in marine science and marine biology, which is one of the strengths of Slliman.  

With generous scholarships given to Libyan nationals, the President of the Libyan university also sees opportunity in sending its faculty and students to Silliman to pursue graduate and post-graduate programs.  

Present during the meeting with Dr. Malayang were Vice President for Development Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino, Vice President for Finance and Administration Atty. Fe Marie D. Tagle, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope and Graduate Programs Dean Dr. Enrique G. Oracion. In a separate meeting, Dr. Elmrabet learned more about the marine biology program of the University through Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong, Director of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences.