Central Philippines State University (CPSU), through Doc. Joe-ann Mae Escober, Director for International Affairs, has achieved another remarkable milestone by securing qualification to participate in a CHED-funded program titled, “Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institution in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR)”, in partnership with the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and the State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.) held in Indonesia last November 27 to December 2, 2023.
The said project of CHED through the International Continuing Professional Education (ICPE) grants provided an opportunity for the University to partake in cross-visits to higher education institutions across SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) member countries.
The LevelUPHEI AFAR aimed to upgrade the Institutional capacities of the 75 member institutions of SUC-ACAP, Inc. through short-term training programs and consortia that include Leadership Development and Strategic Communication Planning Workshops, Cross-visit that provide the participants with first-hand experiences in improving their pedagogical skills, equip them to think literally to develop innovative and entrepreneurial strategies and learn from “model universities” best practices in terms of governance structures and quality assurance system.
“Among the twenty-nine (29) participants from the 18 state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines, CPSU was privileged to join the delegation to represent our country for the said activity. The tour gives us fresh insights and inputs that we can also apply at the local level. As we push for internationalization initiatives in our institution, engagements like this nurture and open doors for future international linkages, along our direction in research, academic exchanges, community development, and technology generation, among others,” Dr. Escober said.
Some of the significant outputs expected from the participants were their daily learning journals, Re-entry Action Plan (REAP), and Integration of Learnings by the end of the program.
The collaborative efforts are anticipated to yield far-reaching impacts, including advancements of agricultural technologies, sustainable practices for natural resource conservation, and fisheries management strategies.
The Cenphilian Publication
Source and Photos: J. Escober