August 2, 2024 – DEBESMSCAT attended the Conference on Sectoral Means for International Collaboration (COSMIC) 2024, hosted by the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur, on August 1-2, 2024. The conference gathered professionals, industry practitioners, and leaders from various sectors to explore and promote multi-sectoral approaches to internationalization in higher education, government agencies, and industries.
On the first day of COSMIC, Hon. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, delivered a speech tackling a multi-sectoral approach to internationalization to innovate the global outreach of higher education institutions in the Philippines. This was followed by a speech by Hon. Nelson Legacion, the Mayor of Naga City, who discussed the internationalization efforts of the City Government of Naga to promote good governance and inclusive development.
Meanwhile, CBSUA President Albert Naperi showcased their university’s efforts not only for internationalization, but also for global recognition. He emphasized that internationalization efforts do not necessarily mean engaging only with foreign institutions. These could also include local efforts that contribute to global discussions and movements, such as the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. President Naperi stressed that because of this innovative perspective on internationalization, CBSUA was able to attain various accolades, including a 4-Star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds and a 1001-1500 overall ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
The second day of the gathering featured an orientation on Taiwan’s International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE Program) provided by Dr. Shuhn-Shyurng Hou, Vice President for Academics of Kun Shan University. The program aims to attract and develop international students from select countries, including the Philippines. This was followed by an introduction to the academic and internationalization programs of Kun Shan University and Fo Guang University. The said Taiwanese universities then signed partnership agreements with the participating universities and colleges from Bicol Region in the conference, including DEBESMSCAT.
The DEBESMSCAT delegation was composed of President Arnel Millesca, Vice President for Administration and Finance Erwin Malto, Vice President for Academic Affairs Elreen Delavin, Graduate School Dean Rodolfo Burac, Faculty Regent Jessica Alcantara, International Relations Officer Jofer Asilum, Associate Professor V Janette Solinap, Board Secretary V Allan Delos Reyes, Board Secretary I Crystel Angelou Ilustre, Executive Assistant III Maffi Gieson Asilum, Public Information Officer Genesis Tumbaga, and Driver Ralph Dimayuga. The state college also held a showcase of its development and internationalization achievements and goals during the two-day conference.
By: EnP. Jofer B. Asilum – International Relations Officer
Ladies and gentlemen,
