The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, through the Commission on Higher Education-International Affairs Services (CHEd-IAS), hosted the 2023 AIMS National Review Meeting for International Relations Officers on October 3-6, 2023 at Legazpi City, Albay.
This meeting gathered all International Relations Officers of all AIMS Program implementing universities in the Philippines. The Asian International Mobility for Students Program, or commonly known as AIMS, is a program of the SEAMEO-RIHED which provides opportunities for collaboration among higher education institutions in Southeast Asia for student mobility.
The first day of the convention is a workshop and presentation of the consolidated draft of the Revised AIMS CHED Memorandum Order (CDO). Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, CBSUA’s University President opened the second day program with his words of welcome. In representation of Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, CESO III, Director IV of CHEDRO V, Dr. Rachel Cas, Chief Education Program Specialist, delivered another welcome message. Both Dr. Naperi and Dr. Cas welcomed the IROs in Bicolandia and thanked them for their participation in the national meeting. Moreover, both emphasized the essence of the program in fostering a sense of global citizenship which goes beyond mere education, that is learning about each other’s culture, languages and traditions that can transform students’ lives.
Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla, CESO IV, the OIC of the Chief of the Deputy Executive Director and the Director for International Affairs Services, spoke about the history of the AIMS program and the statement of purpose for the national review meeting as a prelude for its ways forward.
The whole review meeting featured discussions, updates, and a workshop. With the CHED-IAS, HEDFS, and OSDS in the room, the IROs were able to talk over the challenges and issues they encountered when participating in the program. The draft of the Revised CMO for AIMS program was the main output of the consultative meeting. This is also in preparation for the upcoming AIMS Annual Review Meeting in Tagaytay City on November 7-11 where the ten member country representatives and participating HEIs will gather. The meeting ended with a statement of commitment from the CHED through Atty. Macabangun-Milla, for its continued support for AIMS.
To expose the delegates to Bikolano culture, a study tour was conducted. The delegation toured the known tourist spots in Albay such as Cagsawa Ruins, National Museum Bicol, Sumlang Lake, etc. which also served as the closing activity of the convention.
