In a continuous effort to uphold and strengthen the international standing of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 1, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) Office successfully conducted the second installment of the “F.L.A.I.R.: Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation” Masterclass, branded as “Kuminwani,” from August 2 to 4, 2023. This visionary event was hosted by at the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet, brought together a diverse assembly of academic leaders, professors, and Internationalization Focal Persons from various HEIs in both regions.
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2022, the F.L.A.I.R. Masterclass reaffirmed its commitment to steering higher education institutions toward global recognition. With 130 dedicated participants from CAR and Region 1, the event was a confluence of knowledge, experience, and strategies aimed at elevating the academic landscape of the region to new heights.
The theme of this year’s masterclass, “The Cordilleran to the World Today and Beyond: International Rankings and Ratings of Higher Education Institutions,” aptly encapsulated the focus of the event. Facilitated by distinguished experts and luminaries in the international education arena, the masterclass sessions delved into the intricacies of global university rankings, the significance of research publications and citations, and the pivotal role of international linkages in institutional advancement.
A highlight of the masterclass was the interactive engagement with representatives from internationally acclaimed HEIs who generously shared insights on their journey to global prominence. These sessions were designed not only to impart practical methodologies but also to inspire a forward-looking mindset that embraces internationalization as a cornerstone of an institution’s future growth.
Participants departed the masterclass equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underpinning renowned rankings such as QS, THE, and WURI. They gained valuable insights into strategies for enhancing research impact and nurturing local and international partnerships. As HEIs continue to strive for excellence in research, instruction, and outreach, the Kuminwani Masterclass provided a roadmap to navigate the evolving landscape of international higher education.
The CHED-CAR, through Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr.,Director IV, expressed its gratitude to the attendees, facilitators, and partner institutions for their unwavering commitment to educational advancement. As the impact of the Kuminwani Masterclass reverberates across institutions, it is expected that the collective efforts of CAR and Region 1 HEIs will leave an indelible mark on the global educational landscape, shaping leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow.
Moreover, the three-day event featured a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers, each contributing their expertise to the overarching theme of advancing the international reputation of Higher Education Institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 1. From exploring international ranking methodologies to enhancing research impact and embracing international opportunities, the Kuminwani Masterclass provided participants with valuable insights and strategies for achieving global recognition.
Day 1: The Cordillera to the World Today and Beyond: International Rankings and Ratings of Higher Education Institutions
Speaker 1: Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes (Topic: The Cordillera to the World Today and Beyond)
Speaker 2: Dr. Stephenie O. Busbus (Topic: T.H.E. Impact Ranking Application Process and Methodology)
Speaker 3: Mr. Hector L. Martin (Topic: QS Ranking Application Process and Methodology)
Day 2: Elevating Research and International Recognition
Speaker 1: Dr. Thelma Domingo Palaoag (Topic: How to Improve Research Publication and Citation)
Speaker 2: Dr. Roscinto Ian Lumbres (Topic: How to Improve Research Publication and Citation)
Speaker 3: Dr. Ramir S. Austria (Topic: WURI Ranking: Student Mobility Project of the University of the Cordilleras – sharing of best practices)
Speaker 4: Dr. Sherry Junette Tagle (Topic: Enhancing and Refining the CCDC International Ranking Experience: Embracing the Wisdom of Small Higher Education Institution – sharing of best practices)
Day 3: Embracing Internationalization and Opportunities
Speaker 1: Mr. Gerard Felipe (Topic: International Internship Opportunity)
Speaker 2: Dr. Lynn J. Talkasen (Topic: THE Impact Ranking Journey of Benguet State University)