By Mikee Natinga Norico

On April 7, 2026, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI, in partnership with the University of San Agustin, conducted a one-day re-orientation session titled “Strengthening Global Pathways: Re-Orientation on CHED’s Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP) in Advancing the A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda (Private HEIs Cluster)” at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

The activity brought together sixteen higher education institutions (HEIs) across the region, highlighting their commitment and readiness to advance internationalization initiatives aligned with CHED’s Strategic Internationalization Plan and the A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda, which promotes inclusive, impact-driven, and globally responsive higher education.

Among the key resource speakers was Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Central Philippine University (CPU) Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), who shared CPU’s experiences and best practices in crafting and implementing its Strategic Internationalization Plan. Her presentation underscored CPU’s continuing efforts to strengthen global linkages, expand academic partnerships, and enhance opportunities for student and faculty mobility.

Other International Relations Officers (IROs) who shared their institutions’ internationalization journeys included Mr. John Paul P. Mondejar of the University of San Agustin, Dr. Mary Jane F. Tormon of Filamer Christian University, and Dr. Virmari S. Tan and Mr. Aldin L. Turija of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, alongside Asst. Prof. Dignadice of CPU.

The activity also marked the first gathering of International Relations Officers in the region for the year, with Central Philippine University (CPU) actively participating through its Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), reinforcing CHED’s continuing efforts to promote a more inclusive, collaborative, and globally engaged Philippine higher education system.