The University of San Agustin, through its International Relations Office, participated in the “ACHIEVE-ing Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies: International Relations Officers (IROs) Convergence” held on May 19, 2026, at Capiz State University. The convergence served as a regional platform for collaboration, dialogue, and sharing of best practices among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Western Visayas toward strengthening internationalization initiatives aligned with the CHED ACHIEVE Agenda. The event gathered International Relations Officers (IROs), university administrators, faculty members, CHED representatives, and delegates from various public and private Higher Education Institutions committed to advancing internationalization efforts in their respective institutions.
Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI in partnership with Capiz State University, the convergence was conducted in celebration of the 32nd Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education and the 6th National Higher Education Day. The activity aimed to deepen the understanding of impact-driven internationalization, strengthen collaboration among HEIs, promote inclusive and sustainable internationalization initiatives, and align institutional efforts with CHED internationalization frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms.
The program featured welcome messages, keynote presentations, and discussions from CHED officials, internationalization experts, and institutional leaders highlighting the critical role of International Relations Offices in fostering global engagement, academic partnerships, institutional development, and quality assurance. One of the major highlights of the convergence was the presentation of internationalization milestones and best practices by selected HEIs across the region. Representing the University of San Agustin on behalf of IRO Director John Paul P. Mondejar was Mr. Don Clyde G. Febrio, Assistant for Linkages and Partnerships, who served as one of the invited resource speakers during the event. The convergence also included the Western Visayas IRO Council Meeting, which focused on strengthening partnerships, mentorship initiatives, inclusivity, and future collaborative directions among HEIs.
Key speakers and guests included Shirley C. Agrupis, Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Mabel Gutierrez, Edel Carmela Subon-Csoka, and Danebeth G. Narzoles, together with representatives from participating HEIs across the region.
The convergence reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic internationalization initiatives among Higher Education Institutions in Western Visayas. It strengthened networking and partnerships among IROs, enhanced understanding of CHED internationalization frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms, and promoted the sharing of best practices and transformative initiatives among participating institutions. The event further reaffirmed the collective commitment of HEIs toward building globally competitive, innovative, and internationally engaged educational institutions prepared for an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
Photo Credits: CAPSU Public Information Office
