In celebration of “BUWAN NG ASEAN: Sama-sama sa Pag-unlad”, Samar State University’s (SSU) Office of International Affairs hosted Faculty and Student-led ASEAN Talks on August 26, 2025, at the Ground Floor of the Convention Center. The program was attended by University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, along with the vice presidents, deans, directors, unit heads, and personnel, highlighting the institution’s strong support for internationalization and cross-cultural learning. The event highlighted the global experiences of SSU students who joined international exchange programs, inspiring the community to embrace cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
The first speaker, Ms. Jevah Mae Piamonte, an SSU international student alumna and now an instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, shared her journey as a participant in the International Exchange Program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), Indonesia, held from August 30 to September 16, 2023.
She described the program as transformative—highlighting meaningful friendships with ASEAN peers, immersion in Indonesian culture and traditions, and exposure to UNESA’s advanced facilities and local heritage. She stressed that exchanges build bridges of understanding and nurture ASEAN citizenship beyond borders.
Linking her experience to ASEAN education issues, she emphasized the need for harmonized quality assurance frameworks and mutual recognition of degrees to enhance student mobility, joint research, and global competitiveness. She concluded by affirming that education and cultural exchange are vital to building a more integrated and peaceful ASEAN.
She ended her talk with a message of hope:
“By embracing cultural exchange and addressing challenges in our educational systems, we empower students to become global citizens ready to lead ASEAN into a brighter future. Terima kasih. Bersama, kami berinovasi, kami membangun, kami melayani. (Together, we innovate, we build, we serve).”
The second speaker, Mr. Dave Prudenciado, a fresh graduate of the College of Education, shared his own international experience during the Student Exchange Program in Vietnam at Dong Thap University and Tra Vinh University held last March 15–29, 2025.
Mr. Prudenciado spoke about his immersion in Vietnamese culture through food, academics, and visits to historical and cultural sites. Among his most memorable moments was performing the Kuratsa dance during a Youth Camp at Tra Vinh University and visiting Birds Island, which he described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“My advice to everyone is simple: always stay humble, work hard, and grab opportunities when they come. You will be surprised how far life can take you”, Dave emphasized to students.
The ASEAN Talks served as a platform for students and faculty to exchange stories of international exposure, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the role of global partnerships in education.
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