Benguet State University (BSU), through its College of Teacher Education (CTE) and International Relations Office (IRO), in collaboration with the ARAMID Consortium, successfully hosted the International Student Collaborative Conference 2026 on October 29–30, 2026, at the university’s campus in Km. 5, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Anchored on the theme, “𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬,” the two-day international conference brought together students, researchers, educators, and academic partners from various local and international institutions to share research, exchange perspectives, and discuss pressing issues concerning educational equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
The conference provided a platform for student researchers to present their studies and engage in meaningful academic discussions. Participating institutions included Benguet State University and its international and local academic partners, representing institutions from the United States, Kenya, Uganda, Greece, Italy, and other countries. Their participation highlighted the value of international academic collaboration in fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing research initiatives.
A notable highlight of the conference was the recognition of outstanding research presentations, where students from Benguet State University earned distinctions alongside their international collaborators. The recognized presentations were:
Session 2 Room 2
1st Runner Up:
“Resilience Beyond Borders: Comparing Educational Responses to Natural Disasters in the Philippines and United States”
By: Mia Melatti from Florida Gulf Coast University, USA, and Jyca Pinas Paoay from Benguet State University, Philippines
Session 2 Room 3
Winner:
“Comparative Education During Times of Disruption: Major Political and Policy Changes Affecting Education in the Philippines and Florida, USA”
By: Samantha Zeller from Florida Gulf Coast University, USA, and Jurrene Sapigao Yag-o from Benguet State University, Philippines
Session 3 Room 1
2nd Runner Up:
“Uncertainty in Schools: Basic Education in Philippine Conflict Zones”
By: Marviz I. Kiong from Benguet State University, Philippines
Session 3 Room 2
1st Runner Up:
“Crisis-to-Classroom: How Income Shocks Disrupt Schooling in the Philippines and Kenya”
By: Jennifer B. Velasco from Benguet State University, Philippines and Brayan Odhiambo Okoth from University of Nairobi, Kenya
2nd Runner Up:
“Beyond Enrolment: Educational Inclusion and Belonging among Displaced Learners in Kenya and the Philippines”
By: Difrodah Wawuda Mnyika from University of Nairobi, Kenya, and Jezieryl Mariz Agonoy Sagario from Benguet State University, Philippines
These recognitions underscore the research capabilities of BSU students and the value of international research partnerships in addressing educational challenges through comparative and collaborative studies.
The successful conduct of the conference was made possible through the collaborative efforts of BSU and the ARAMID Consortium, together with the contributions of the Research Presentation Evaluators and the Working Committee, whose assistance ensured the smooth delivery of the conference sessions.
Through this initiative, Benguet State University and the ARAMID Consortium continue to strengthen their commitment to internationalization by providing opportunities for global academic engagement, student collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The conference further reinforces the importance of building an interconnected academic community committed to making quality education accessible to all.
























































