BSU welcomed Fulbright Specialist and Kaisipan Inc. Founder Maria Africa Beebe on September 18, 2023. During the flag-raising ceremony, IRO Director Maria Luz D. Fang-asan introduced Dr. Beebe to the BSU community.
A courtesy call was conducted wherein the President Felipe Salaing Comila personally welcomed Dr. Beebe. She was accompanied by the BSU Kaisipan Fellows Jovelyn P. Lao-e, Renebeth G. Donguiz, Frevie T. Orencia, Imelda G. Parcasio, and Divina M. Yango. IRO Deputy Director Rex John G. Bawang and CTE IRO Focal Person Desiree F. Botengan also attended the courtesy visit.
To kickstart Dr. Beebe’s engagement, a campus and community tour was organized. This included a visit to BSU’s Centennial Park and the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry (IHFSA), The excursion concluded with a visit to the Benguet Capitol, offering a breathtaking view of the La Trinidad Valley and an overlooking perspective of Benguet State University.
Culminating Dr. Beebe’s first day in the University is a cultural dinner attended by BSU Kaisipan Fellows and IRO focal persons. Dr. Beebe shared her inspiring journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Cordilleras. The cultural exchange continued with the KONTAD Cultural Dance Troupe, showcasing various Cordillera dances. In his message, President Felipe Salaing Comila underscored the significance of this engagement, noting that this is the University’s second time hosting a Fulbright specialist.
Dr. Beebe’s Fulbright engagement will be focusing on integrating digitalization methods in curriculum development. She will be spearheading the training of trainers program titled ” Global Curriculum Par Excellence: Sharing of Best Practices in Indigenizing & Engendering the Curriculum for Internationalization.” The series of lectures and workshop will run from September 19 – October 5, 2023.
