On September 15-16, 2025, Benguet State University (BSU) had the honor of welcoming Ms. Chiaki Kawai and Mr. Takahiro Matsuzaki from the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan. The two-day visit formed part of ongoing efforts to explore opportunities for academic exchange and cultural collaboration between the institutions.The visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage in dialogue, explore potential areas of partnership, and share best practices in higher education, administration, and research development.
On the first day, the delegates were warmly received by the Director of the BSU International Relations Office, Dr. Rex John G. Bawang. The initial meeting served as a venue to discuss the goals of both institutions and to outline the itinerary of activities. The guests also met Yuki Takahashi, one of the university’s international students from Japan, before proceeding to a campus tour with brief visits to the University Library, Marketing Center, University Canteen, University Clinic, University Museum, University Gym, the Office of Student Services, and the Guestel.
In the afternoon, they also had a brief stop at the Benguet Museum for an overview of the province’s rich cultural heritage. This was followed by a courtesy call with the Provincial Governor, Dr. Melchor D. Diclas. To conclude the day, a cultural welcome was hosted at the International Relations Office. The program opened with warm remarks from Dr. Rex John G. Bawang and featured a vibrant performance of cultural dances by the BSU Center for Culture and the Arts’ KONTAD Highland Cultural Dance Troupe.
The delegates were also warmly welcomed by University President, Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan, to whom they responded with expressions of gratitude and shared their hopes for a good relationship with BSU. The program also featured a presentation by IRO staff member Roldan Day-ong, followed by a presentation from ILC staff member Lory Jane Luban, together with international students Soma Yauchi and Yuki Takahashi. To officially end the program, closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Doreen I. Allasiw. The day then wrapped up with a delightful dinner shared with our guests.
The second day began with a visit to the Office of the President, followed by a tour of Valleywood led by ILC Director Jhordan T. Cuilan, CAH IRO Director Ms. Reslyn G. Capuyan, and ILC staff members Jessica Mariel Banking and Lory Jane Luban. Here, the delegates experienced one of the area’s tourist attractions and enjoyed a scenic view of the valley of La Trinidad, where the university is situated. The morning continued with a refreshing nature walk at Mount Costa, where the guests admired its beautiful landscapes. As part of the tour, the delegates were also shown areas such as the public market, supermarkets, and the hospital, which are places that their students may go should they come to study at BSU.
In the afternoon, the delegates observed classroom settings, providing them with valuable insights into BSU’s teaching methods and student engagement. The visit concluded with a dialogue session with ILC and IRO, which included an overview of the diverse programs of the International Language Center, along with discussions on how the IRO can support the preparation of future collaborations.
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