By Jonas Rey Lugas Macabangon / August 28, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – Samar State University (SSU) took a significant stride towards global academic integration by participating in the 2nd Internationalization Conference held at the Summit Hotel, Marasbaras, Tacloban City on August 24, 2023. The event, part of the Regional ASEAN Month Celebration organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VIII, revolved around the theme “ASEAN MATTERS: Epicentrum of Growth.” The conference served as a platform for sharing lived experiences and insights gained through academic mobility programs, furthering the internationalization initiatives of HEIs in Eastern Visayas.
The SSU delegation was composed of distinguished faculty members who have demonstrated their commitment to global education and the pursuit of academic excellence:
Prof. Manilyn Serpajuan-Sablan: Student Teaching Supervisor of the College of Education
Prof. Pedro S. Cabrales: Coordinator, International Student Exchange
Prof. Ma. Winna Mae Agbon: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
Prof. Larry S. Macapugas: Faculty, Paranas Campus
Prof. Krisanto L. Bacnutan: Faculty, Mercedes Campus
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the lived experiences of faculty and students who have undergone international mobility from different HEIs in the region. Prof. Serpajuan-Sablan’s presentation, where she shared her transformative experience during her academic sojourn at Dong Thap University in Vietnam. Her presentation titled “Steppingstones to Understanding: A Transformative Experience in Dong Thap, Vietnam” resonated deeply with the audience, shedding light on the profound impact of cross-cultural exchange on personal and professional growth.
Prof. Serpajuan-Sablan’s insightful narrative illuminated the audience the challenges and triumphs she encountered with SSU delegate students immersing herself in the cultural and academic landscape of Vietnam. Her experiences served as a testament to the power of international collaborations in fostering mutual understanding and broadening perspectives. “As we continue this journey of cultural exchange, let us remember that understanding is not a destination, but a path that we must tread with patience and respect. By embracing the stepping stones of curiosity, acceptance, and unity, we can ensure that the bridges we have built here will stand strong for generations to come,” said Prof. Serpajuan-Sablan.
Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, the University President, expressed her pride in the faculty members who participated in the conference, emphasizing the university’s dedication to cultivating globally competent faculty, students, and alumni.
Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, DPM, CESO III, the CHED Regional Director, commended SSU and other universities in the region. He said, “At buong yabang naman ako. Dahil dito sa Region VIII cited as number one sa WURI (World’s University with Real Impact), Samar State University. In fact, na-mention ito sa Laging Handa Briefing sa Malacañang ang Samar State University.”
The 2nd Internationalization Conference served as a beacon of the region’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and harnessing the potential of ASEAN’s collective growth. Through these academic exchanges, institutions like SSU are playing a vital role in shaping a brighter, more interconnected future for higher education.
