TSU Among Leading Institutions Advancing Internationalization in Region III

Tarlac State University was among 37 institutions out of 260 Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region III to participate in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region III's two-day conference, Amplifying Strategic Partnerships for Internationalization through Resourceful Empowerment, held at Clark, Pampanga,, from December 18 to 19, 2024.

Dr. Lora L. Yusi, Director of the Commission on Higher Education Region III (CHEDRO III), emphasized the importance of internationalization plans for academic institutions in the region. Dr. Yusi highlighted that the 37 participants, including TSU, were chosen for their exemplary internationalization practices and recognition. TSU was particularly noted for receiving the "International Rankings Award" at the recently concluded Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability or ICONS Awards 2024, organized by the CHED. Yusi encouraged other participating institutions to apply for the Applied Higher Education (AppliedHE) ranking, which will conclude in March 2025.

The conference also featured inspiring success stories. Dr. Jay Mark B. Santos, Director of Academic Quality Assurance of the La Consolacion University Philippines, shared their Kuwentong First Time [First Time Stories] ] experiences and best practices in joining the AppliedHE. Meanwhile,Dr. Angelica M. Baylon, Director of External Relations of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), discussed MAAP's journey in forging international partnerships. These collaborations have cemented MAAP's reputation as one of the top maritime schools in the Philippines with robust internationalization strategies.

The event concluded with a lecture on the Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Law, delivered by Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, Director of CHED's International Affairs Service. The lecture was critical for TSU's plan to revive its transnational higher education programs.

In the final session, Dr. Yusi invited all participants to symbolically pledge their commitment to advancing internationalization by placing their institution's names on the "ASPIRE Wall" as an act reinforcing the collective dedication of the 37 LUCs and SUCs in Region III to continuously enhance their internationalization plans in the coming years.