The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)’s Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office participated in the iBRIDGE: Towards an Internationalized Philippine Higher Education Series 1: Mindset for Cultivating Global Citizenship through Internationalization organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office XI. The event took place on 8 October 2024, at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City.
With the inaugural series focusing on the theme “Mindset for Cultivating Global Citizens through Internationalization,” the event focused on the role of international partnerships in advancing the quality of higher education in the Philippines. Speakers and participants discussed how developing a global mindset among students and educators can break through national boundaries and promote cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and shared knowledge.
In a keynote lecture, Dr. Evelyn S. Ecle, Education Supervisor II for Internationalization Focal, presented CHED’s vision to expand institutional horizons through internationalization. She elaborated on the ongoing efforts to establish a Policy Framework on Internationalization, which aims to provide a strategic roadmap for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to broaden their global connection. The framework encourages academic collaborations, faculty and student exchanges, and the integration of global perspectives into the curricula.
Atty. Ednalyn Grace A. Viste, Co-Lead of Transnational Higher Education at the CHED International Affairs Service, provided participants with a discussion on the establishment of Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) in the region. She highlighted the significance of forging cross-border academic partnerships to boost the global competitiveness of Philippine institutions. Atty. Viste also addressed the challenges of implementing TNHE programs, such as regulatory complexities and maintaining quality standards, while emphasizing the potential for collaboration to enrich both local and international education systems.
In the second session of the conference, Mr. Rene M. Babiera II, International Linkages Affairs Officer of the University of the Immaculate Conception, shared his experiences in implementing internationalization efforts at his institution. He encouraged participants to think beyond traditional approaches by presenting best practices for conducting student and faculty mobility programs, as well as strategies for forging sustainable international partnerships. Mr. Babiera highlighted the importance of building strong global networks and how these initiatives can elevate both academic standards and institutional reputation.
Mr. Babiera’s lecture was followed by a comprehensive briefing on “Mapping the Path to Global Citizenship,” which included a strategic internationalization planning workshop led by Dr. Daisy T. Besing, the Director of the Institutional Planning Division at the University of Southeastern Philippines. The workshop encouraged representatives from various institutions to collaborate and develop a Sustainable Investment Plan (SIP) that could serve as a potential framework for presentation to their respective institutions.
On behalf of ADDU, the conference was attended by Ms. Gillian Marie G. Porras, AIM Program Officer for Internationalization Abroad; and Ms. Hannah H. Mahinay, AIM Program Officer for Internationalization At Home. This conference has marked an impact on our University by affirming our ongoing efforts in strategic internationalization. It has served as a platform to share best practices and innovative strategies that align with the University’s mission. By participating in this event, we have not only validated the initiatives we have already undertaken but also gathered new perspectives to advance internationalization in the University.
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