By Mikee Natinga Norico
From right to left: Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice receives her certificate of recognition for being a resource speaker during the “Fortifying Bridges: Seminar Series on Faculty and Student Mobility” organized by CHED Regional Office XVIII, held at the Function Hall of Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City, along with Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., REE, CESO III; and Dr. Danebeth G. Narzoles, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist and IZN Focal Person of CHEDRO VI and XVIII.
Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC) of Central Philippine University (CPU), served as a resource speaker in two separate seminars invited by different CHED regional offices under the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) “Fortifying Bridges: Seminar Series on Faculty and Student Mobility.”
The first seminar, invited by CHED Regional Office VI, was held on September 24, 2025, at Sotogrande Iloilo Hotel. The second seminar, invited by CHED Regional Office XVIII, took place on September 30, 2025, at the Function Hall of Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City.
Both seminars were part of CHED’s continuous efforts to strengthen internationalization and promote cross-border partnerships among higher education institutions (HEIs). They aligned with CMO No. 55, series of 2016, or the “Policy Framework and Strategies on the Internationalization of Philippine Higher Education,” and the celebration of ASEAN Month with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
During her presentation in Iloilo City, Prof. Dignadice shared CPU’s best practices and strategies in fostering internationalization through effective student mobility programs. She discussed how the University manages inbound and outbound student exchanges, builds sustainable international linkages, and leverages global partnerships to advance inclusive and sustainable academic collaborations.”
Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice (4th from left, standing in front, wearing a green blazer) poses for a group photo together with the seminar attendees after a successful “Fortifying Bridges: Seminar Series on Faculty and Student Mobility” event organized by CHED Regional Office VI at Sotogrande Iloilo Hotel.
At the Bacolod seminar, Prof. Dignadice provided participants with a comprehensive overview of CPU’s approach to managing student mobility and how it aligns with global education goals. She underscored the importance of institutional support and international networks in ensuring the success of faculty and student exchange programs.
The event gathered representatives from state universities, private higher education institutions, and local colleges across Regions VI and XVIII. They served as venues for HEIs to strengthen their understanding of internationalization, develop sustainable mobility programs, and address challenges related to faculty and student exchanges.
Through these engagements, Prof. Dignadice emphasized CPU’s active role in enhancing the global visibility of Philippine higher education and the University’s dedication to developing programs that prepare students and faculty for cross-border learning experiences while upholding inclusivity and sustainability.