International Relations Officers (IROs) from various higher education institutions (HEIs) across Western Visayas convened on May 19 at the Board Room of the Central Administration Building of Capiz State University (CAPSU) Central Administration for a convergence focused on advancing impact-driven internationalization strategies in higher education.
The activity was spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) in collaboration with CAPSU as the host university, in line with the celebration of CHED’s 32nd Founding Anniversary and the 6th National Higher Education Day.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan, Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages, expressed gratitude to CHEDRO VI for bringing together IROs across the region and for its continued efforts in aligning regional initiatives with national development goals while remaining responsive to local realities. She likewise reflected on the meaning of “impact-driven” internationalization and expressed hope that the gathering would foster meaningful and productive discussions among participants.
The convergence also featured a recorded video message from Dr. Mabel Gutierrez, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED International Affairs Services (IAS), welcoming the participants to the event. Meanwhile, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV and Officer-in-Charge of CHED-IAS, served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the vital role of IROs in strengthening institutional internationalization efforts and sharing practical insights on effectively navigating international relations offices.
Following the keynote session, IROs and HEI representatives presented their notable internationalization accomplishments for 2025, while also sharing their experiences, challenges, and best practices in implementing international programs and partnerships.
In the afternoon session, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis delivered a message commending CHEDRO VI for organizing the convergence in support of the agency’s ACHIEVE agenda, particularly its commitment to expanding and institutionalizing impact-driven internationalization in Philippine higher education.
She likewise underscored the important role of IROs in advancing global engagement in higher education.
“You are not only the facilitators of partnerships and mobility programs; you are bridge builders who connect Philippine higher education institutions to the global academic community while ensuring that internationalization remains responsive to local realities and national development goals,” Agrupis said.
The event also included a meeting presided over by Dr. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka of West Visayas State University (WVSU), who also serves as president of the Western Visayas IRO Council.
To formally conclude the convergence, Dr. Danebeth G. Norzales, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHEDRO VI, delivered the closing remarks, extending her gratitude to the participating IROs for their cooperation and to CAPSU for hosting the event and providing warm hospitality throughout the activity.
Dr. Raffy C. Alayon, Education Supervisor II of CHEDRO VI, served as the master of ceremonies, while Ms. Janessa Nicole S. Juarez, Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Regional Coordinator, facilitated the smooth conduct and overall success of the activity. | Atty. Jaybe L. Blancaflor, Frederick D. Almeida, and Marco Jeslie B. Tuazon, CAPSU-PIO.
Related post at CAPSU Public Information Office Facebook page.