The 2025 University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) General Assembly reaffirmed the growing interconnectedness of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their shared commitment to internationalization. Held on February 26 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Building in UP Diliman, Quezon City, the event brought together key academic leaders and policymakers to advance global collaboration in higher education. Representing Benguet State University were International Relations Office (IRO) Director Rex John G. Bawang and staff member Jerson Harvey B. Mang-osan.
With a strong focus on collaboration, the assembly underscored the need to overcome global challenges and elevate education standards on an international scale. Leaders emphasized that internationalization is not just an aspiration but a necessity in today’s interconnected world. Dr. Christine N. Ferrer from CHED Regional I stressed that strengthening the global presence of Philippine HEIs requires a collective commitment to innovation, adaptability, and inclusivity.
Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the power of shared knowledge and resources. Dr. Laurene Chua-Garcia and Dr. Jeremy Godofredo Morales urged institutions to prioritize partnerships over competition, fostering a network where successes are shared, and challenges are tackled together. Discussions also explored the role of technology in bridging gaps and unlocking new opportunities. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations on leveraging emerging technologies and addressing diversity, sustainability, and modernization, inspiring them to embrace a global perspective.
The election of the new UMAP Board reinforced the assembly’s commitment to interconnected leadership, ensuring that collaboration and internationalization remain central to the future of Philippine HEIs. United by a shared vision, institutions strengthened their bonds, paving the way for a brighter and more interconnected global education landscape.
Photos by UMAP.
Photo by Jerson Harvey B. Mang-osan – IRO staff.