CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Autonomous Status granted by CHED – Sept. 16, 2024 – Sept. 15, 2027
ISO 21001:2018 (Educational Organizations Management System)- valid from August 19, 2025, until August 18, 2028

CPU-LILAC Director serves as Liaison Officer to Thai Higher Education Official during CHED–SEAMEO RIHED Higher Education Week 2026

by | Oct 29, 2026 | The Centralian Link | 0 comments

By Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice


Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice (left) and Ms. Pennapa Kanchana(right) pose for a photo during the CHED–SEAMEO RIHED Higher Education Week 2026 in Iloilo City.

Central Philippine University (CPU) strengthened its international engagement during the CHED–SEAMEO RIHED Higher Education Week 2026 through the participation of Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC), who served as liaison officer to Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Inspector General of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Ms. Kanchana was accompanied by Dr. Luksamon Smansin and Ms. Jittree Klumpong.

Held from October 13 to 16, 2026, in Iloilo City, the international gathering brought together higher education officials, policymakers, and delegates from across Southeast and East Asia to discuss regional cooperation and the future of higher education.

Reflecting on her experience, Asst. Prof. Dignadice shared that she was honored to assist Inspector General Kanchana and her companions during her stay in Iloilo. For her, the opportunity went beyond fulfilling her duties as a liaison officer; it was also a chance to showcase Iloilo, known as the “City of Love,” and share the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.


Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice joins Ms. Pennapa Kanchana, Dr. Luksamon Smansin, and Ms. Jittree Klumpong for a commemorative photo.


Delegates gather for a group photo, celebrating regional collaboration, cultural diversity, and shared commitment to advancing higher education.

During their five days together, she had the opportunity to tour the delegation around the city, introduce them to local attractions, and exchange stories about Filipino and Thai culture. These shared experiences helped establish rapport and foster mutual understanding beyond the formal activities of the conference.

Asst. Prof. Dignadice expressed her hope that the delegation returned to Thailand with smiles on their faces and fond memories of their stay in Iloilo. The experience, she noted, was a meaningful opportunity to build personal connections while sharing the best of Filipino culture and hospitality.

Her experience highlights how internationalization extends beyond academic meetings and formal partnerships. Personal interactions, cultural exchanges, and genuine hospitality can help build lasting relationships among people from different countries.

Through LILAC, Central Philippine University continues to support international engagement and intercultural understanding, demonstrating how a warm welcome and meaningful connections can contribute to stronger relationships within the regional higher education community.