On December 5 and 6,2023, CHED-CAR launched the “Cordillera NEXUS: Uniting Higher Education Institutions(HEIs) for Internationalization Synergy”, highlighting the ceremonial uploading of Cordillera 101: “Cordillera Today and Beyond: Synergies for Promoting Tawid di Cordillera in the Curriculum.” as one of the entries of the participating HEIs in the World University Rankings for Innovation particularly on the Culture/Values framework.
This groundbreaking event is a first of its kind where HEIs in CAR are brought together to collaborate for a program by which served as a platform to share their best practices in the field of internationalization and university rankings.
Hosted by the University of the Cordilleras, the Cordillera NEXUS was participated in by 17 HEIs, namely; Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, Apayao State College, Baguio Central University, Benguet State University, Cordillera Career Development College, Ifugao State University, Kalinga State University, King’s College of the Philippines, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Saint Louis University, St. Louis College of Bulanao, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Cordillera A+ Computer Technology, Pines City Colleges, Easter Colleges and Star Colleges.
During the collaboration meeting, CD Lee from Reskills Malaysia shared insights into their institution’s operations and the benefits that students and faculty can receive through their programs. The meeting concluded with the Presidents of the participating HEIs signing a commitment agreement with Reskills Malaysia. Reskills Malaysia is a skills-based learning institution that has partnered with CHED-CAR to provide 1,700 sponsored vouchers for accessing online classes from around the world.
On the second day, the University of Baguio and Saint Louis University shared their exemplary practices in internationalization program initiatives and cross-border programs. Through Ms. Melanie Saro, the Internationalization Focal person from the University of Baguio, and Dr. Mary Grace Carrido, the Director of Internationalization at Saint Louis University, their respective insights on internationalization partnerships and practices were presented.
Additionally, HEIs in the CAR witnessed the election for the Cordillera Association of the Internationalization Relations Officers (CAIRO) in CAR. The Cordillera NEXUS served as an avenue to the birth of the said association where its main objective is to come up with programs and activities for the advancement of HEIs on the global stage. The newly elected officials of CAIRO will be led by Dr. Mary Grace Carrido of Saint Luis University.
In the message delivered by Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, the regional director of CHED-CAR, he emphasized the importance of working together and expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that led to CHEDCAR being recognized as the outstanding regional office on internationalization during the CHED ICONs awarding in October 2023.
Dr. Anduyan also called for the forging of new connections, “Let us forge collaborations that go beyond borders, contributing to the advancement of education not only in the Cordilleras but also in other areas”.
“Let us continue to work hand in hand, building bridges and fostering collaborations that transcend borders, and contribute to the advancement of education in the Cordilleras and beyond.”, he added.
Dr. Jimmy Guisdan Catanes, Cordillera NEXUS project leader, also shared on how the project was created. He stated that, “The term “Cordillera Nexus” conveys a profound and vital connection among higher educational institutions in the Cordilleras. It underscores the essence of collaboration and synergy, symbolizing a central and pivotal point where these institutions converge to forge a more potent and effective partnership”.
This synergy collaboration is in line with CHED’s Strategic Plan 2022-2028 to advance the internationalization of Philippine higher education institutions to be a recognized world-class higher education system, and along with CHED-CAR’s vision “Cordillera to the World, Today, and Beyond”.
Photo Courtesy from the University of the Cordilleras
