TSU OIAL Participates in CHED III ASEAN ULAYAW I to Strengthen Internationalization Initiatives

The Tarlac State University Office of International Affairs and Linkages (TSU-OIAL) participated in ASEAN ULAYAW I: Unifying Linkages and ASEAN-Driven Yields in Academe for Wider Internationalization, organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III (CHEDROIII) via Zoom on August 3, 2026. The webinar forms part of CHED's continuing initiative to strengthen the internationalization capacity of higher education institutions in Central Luzon.

The first session featured Dr. John Wesley S. Calagui II, Education Supervisor II and CHEDROIII Internationalization Focal Person, who discussed "Crafting Your Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP)." He highlighted the Philippine Internationalization Roadmap, CHED's internationalization agenda, and the essential components of a Strategic Internationalization Plan, emphasizing that internationalization should be integrated into instruction, research, extension, and governance.

The second session was delivered by Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, President of the Central Luzon Association of International Relations Officers (CLAIRO) and Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP) of Pampanga State University (PSU). Her presentation, "Going Back to the Drawing Table: Capacity Building on Crafting a Strategic Internationalization Plan," underscored the importance of strategic planning, institutional commitment, and policy alignment in developing sustainable internationalization programs.

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail," Dr. Crisostomo reminded participants as she emphasized the value of a well-crafted Strategic Internationalization Plan.

She also encouraged institutions to sustain their internationalization journey, saying, "Internationalization is not a destination. It is a journey of starting, wandering, trying, struggling, continuing, attaining, sustaining, strengthening, and succeeding." She concluded her presentation with the challenge, "Do not SIT. Instead, do your SIP."

The webinar concluded with the "Ways Forward" session led by Dr. Arnold V. Damaso, Education Supervisor II and CHEDROIII Internationalization Alternate Focal Person, who encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained from the webinar into concrete institutional initiatives that will strengthen internationalization programs across higher education institutions.

The webinar contributes to OIAL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional internationalization by enhancing strategic planning, expanding global partnerships, and adopting best practices that support quality instruction, research, extension, and international collaboration.

Through the leadership of Dr. Ninez B. Tulo, TSU-OIAL remains committed to building a globally engaged academic community and pursuing initiatives that broaden opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and staff while advancing the University's vision of becoming a globally competitive institution.