The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region V and the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) successfully hosted the Conference on Sectoral Means for International Collaboration (COSMIC) 2024 on August 1-2 at the CBSUA Pili Campus. The event aimed to deliver innovative and quality higher education to Bicolanos by forging strong international partnerships.
Geared towards “Innovating Global Outreach: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Internationalization,” the two-day event brought together key stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to explore avenues for international collaboration.
CHED Commissioner Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela set the tone for the conference in her keynote address, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in higher education internationalization. She emphasized the crucial role of quality assurance, transparency, and ICT in navigating these complexities.
Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion shared the city’s successful strategies for good governance and inclusive development, inspiring participants with the local government’s approach to community empowerment.
Meanwhile, CBSUA President Alberto N. Naperi emphasized the conference’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration to address global challenges. “COSMIC 2024 is a testament to our commitment to building stronger international connections for the benefit of our students and our community,” he said.
On the second day, Dr. Tien Shan Lee, President of Kun Shan University, introduced the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE), a Taiwanese initiative designed to attract and develop international students.
COSMIC 2024 served as a catalyst for partnership building, with multiple memoranda of agreement signed among participating institutions. CBSUA with 19 other SUCs, LUCs, and HEIs in the Bicol region forged partnerships with Taiwanese universities Kun Shan University and Fo Guang University. The event also provided a platform for showcasing internationalization initiatives through informative booths.
The conference concluded with a learning visit to the CBSUA Agriville & Learning Hub and an orientation session for students regarding the INTENSE Program.
Bicol University President and PASUC VP for Luzon, Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, expressed gratitude to CBSUA and all involved in organizing the successful event. “This gathering is a significant step towards building sustainable societies through a multi-sectoral approach,” he said. “It’s a rare but significant opportunity to unite for a common goal: expanding our reach internationally.”
