Roxas City, January 14, 2026 — Capiz State University (CAPSU) officially welcomed the 11th Batch of the SEA-Teacher Student Exchange Program during a program held at the CAPSU Roxas City Main Campus Auditorium, highlighting the university’s strong commitment to internationalization, intercultural understanding, and ASEAN educational cooperation.
The welcome ceremony gathered university officials, international partners, representatives from the Department of Education, local government units, and cooperating institutions to receive student-teachers from Indonesia and Thailand who will be immersed in Philippine classrooms and local communities.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages, underscored the significance of the SEA-Teacher Program as one of ASEAN’s most meaningful initiatives for future educators. She emphasized that teaching today extends beyond national borders.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, teaching is no longer confined within classroom walls or national boundaries,” Dr. Legaspi said. “Teachers today are global learners, cultural ambassadors, and agents of transformation.” She also reaffirmed CAPSU’s commitment to international partnerships under the leadership of University President Dr. Efren L. Linan, noting that the presence of inbound students reflects growing trust in Philippine higher education. Dr. Legaspi encouraged participants to embrace cultural differences as opportunities for authentic and transformative learning.
Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of President Linan, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Mary Ann B. Martelino assured the SEA-Teacher participants of the university’s full support throughout their academic and cultural immersion.
“To our SEA-Teacher participants, this seal of quality is our promise to you,” Dr. Martelino said. “You are here because you represent the future of ASEAN education.” She emphasized that the students would experience both the rigor of CAPSU’s academic programs and the warmth of its partner schools and communities. “Please know that you do not walk this journey alone,” she added. “From your first lesson plan to your final classroom demonstration, Capiz State University will stand with you.”
A message was also delivered by Noor Rizky Irmasari Hasibuan, S.Pt., M.Sc., Lecturer from the Faculty of Agroindustry of Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta (UMBY), who conveyed the institution’s support for sustained academic collaboration and cultural exchange between partner universities.
Messages from the Department of Education were delivered by Yzarda Claudette D. Ballera, Project Development Officer I and Division Information Officer, on behalf of Dr. Roel F. Bermejo, Schools Division Superintendent of Capiz, and by Dr. Samuel Jumuad Malayo, OIC–Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, representing Dr. Renato T. Ballesteros, Schools Division Superintendent of Roxas City. Both emphasized the importance of mentoring SEA-Teacher participants and grounding the program in real classroom experiences.
Local government support was expressed through Vice Mayor Teresa Almalbis, speaking on behalf of Hon. Ronnie T. Dadivas, Mayor of Roxas City, and Atty. Stephen Alquiza, Youth Development Officer, representing Hon. Fredenil H. Castro, Governor of the Province of Capiz. They highlighted the role of local communities in enriching the cultural immersion of the exchange students.
The program was further enlivened by a presentation from the CAPSU Main Chorale and CAPSU Main Dance Troupe, followed by cultural performances from SEA-Teacher participants representing Lampang Rajabhat University, Universitas Riau, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, and Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta.
The activity concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Annalie G. Campos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who expressed confidence that the exchange program would continue to strengthen professional competence, intercultural awareness, and regional solidarity among future educators.
Through the SEA-Teacher Student Exchange Program, Capiz State University continues to build meaningful partnerships that promote shared learning, mutual respect, and a unified vision for education within the ASEAN community. | via Atty. Jaybe L. Blancaflor, Ralph Gerard M. Cadiz, and Marco Jeslie B. Tuazon
See related post at CAPSU Public Information Office Facebook page.