Pampangastateu - Office for International Partnerships and Programs

PampangaStateU Strengthens Global Linkages Through Fulbright Roadshow 2026

Pampanga State University, through its Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), hosted the Fulbright Roadshow 2026 on April 28 at the University Hostel Function Hall, gathering faculty, staff, and students to explore global academic opportunities. In collaboration with Fulbright Philippines and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the event delivered a focused orientation on prestigious U.S.-based scholarships and exchange programs, equipping participants with key insights on application pathways, eligibility, and opportunities for advanced study, teaching, and research abroad.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Fulbright Roadshow highlighted the transformative power of education and international partnerships in fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities. By equipping participants with knowledge on globally competitive scholarships, the initiative empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to both local and international communities.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Engr. Reden M. Hernandez, Executive Vice President of Pampanga State University, followed by the Statement of Purpose delivered by OIPP Director Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo.

In collaboration with Fulbright Philippines and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), Ms. Rochel Manuel, PAEF Program Officer, served as the main resource speaker, presenting a comprehensive overview of prestigious U.S.-based scholarships and exchange programs.

An engaging open forum followed, featuring Mr. Hermes Vargas, an International Scholar under the International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP) and Dr. Cailvin D. Reyes, the first Fulbrighter from Pampanga State University under the FLTA Program (2024–2025), who shared their experiences in the United States—providing participants with valuable insights into academic mobility, cross-cultural engagement, and global professional growth.

The event stands as a testament to the University’s vision of producing globally competent professionals and scholars who can drive sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

SDG5 SDG10

🌍Bridging Borders, Advancing Knowledge starts here—be part of the Fulbright Roadshow 2026!

Join us and explore global academic opportunities for faculty, staff, and students!

🔗 Register now via the link: https://forms.gle/3GBUbwypDmBxKTLo6

To our University President, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙀𝙣𝙧𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙂. 𝘽𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜, have a blessed birthday. May this day make you feel how cherished you are.

From: Your OIPP Family

We, as men, stand in appreciation of women—today and always.

Happy International Women's Month💜

Mildred Crisostomo
Joyce Ann
Princess Marie Magtuloy Serrano - Nicolas

Bridging Highlands and Heartlands: PampangaStateU, IFSU, and TAU Deepen Internationalization and Cultural Exchange

With the theme “Highlands and Heartlands: Internationalization (IZN) and Cultural Exchange,” Pampanga State University (PampangaStateU), Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), and Ifugao State University (IFSU) strengthened international collaboration and cultural exchange during a visit held at the IFSU Lamut Campus from March 9–11, 2026.

The visit supported IFSU’s vision and built upon the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IFSU and PampangaStateU. The activity aimed to deepen institutional partnerships through discussions on joint curricula, collaborative research, and faculty and student mobility, reinforcing universities’ roles in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through culture-based education and collaboration.

Mx. Clyde B. Pumihic, IFSU International Relations Officer, emphasized that internationalization in the university is grounded in cultural identity and heritage.

“IFSU operates within the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Similarly, PampangaStateU is anchored in the vibrant Kapampangan heritage known for its culinary traditions and performing arts,” Mx. Pumihic said.

He also presented IFSU’s five pillars of internationalization: Academic Mobility, Strategic Partnerships, Globalized Curricula, Global Branding and Reputation, and Internationalization at Home, highlighting the role of global rankings in strengthening institutional credibility.

“Rankings increase visibility and credibility. They also open opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, student and faculty mobility, and resource mobilization,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, Director of PampangaStateU’s Office of International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), shared the university’s internationalization initiatives, including its membership in the Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) and the hosting of the ATU-Net International Staff Week 2025.

Highlighting the spirit of partnership among the universities, Dr. Crisostomo said:

“Internationalization is not the dream of a single institution; it is a dream we all share. Today is a clear manifestation of how selfless effort and togetherness allow us to see how beautiful the world can be.”

Beyond institutional collaboration, Dr. Crisostomo highlighted the deeper connection among universities working together.

“Today we’re not here as visitors but as family. We recognize familiar faces—not because we already met before—but because our souls recognize each other,” she said.

She added that PampangaStateU continues to strengthen global engagement through faculty and cultural exchanges with institutions in Thailand, language and culture programs, and international scholarship opportunities for faculty and students.

In the same event, Mr. Jerome L. Duque, Information Officer III of TAU, also discussed strategies for implementing internationalization initiatives, recommending a progressive model that begins with Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), followed by micro-credentials, credit transfer systems, and eventually dual degree programs.

Likewise, the activity also highlighted the role of culture in global engagement. Mr. Rowel E. Cruz, Director of PampangaStateU’s Office of Culture and the Arts, presented “Cule Ning Pampang” (Color of the Riverbanks), which reflects Kapampangan history and identity.

Further, Ms. Lalie Vic A. Cawilan, Director of IFSU’s Department of Culture and the Arts, emphasized the university’s efforts to bring indigenous heritage to international audiences, citing its participation in the World Indigenous Traditional Games in Taiwan.

As part of their visit, the Pampanga State University (PamSU) delegation—composed of Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP); Mr. Rowel E. Cruz, Assistant Director of the Office of Culture and the Arts (OCA); Dr. John Paul M. Miranda, Program Head for International Linkages and Partnerships; Mr. John Reinjoe F. Namit, Program Head for Faculty Scholarships, Exchanges, and Mobility; Mr. Rodel T. Alimurong, Program Head for Student Scholarships, Exchanges, and Mobility; Ms. Joyce Ann M. Tolentino, Program Head for Short-term Courses; Dr. Marcial Bonnie M. Salac, OIPP Coordinator for COE; and Ms. Princess Marie S. Nicolas, OIPP Staff—along with Mr. Jerome L. Duque, Information Officer of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), also traveled to Kiangan, Ifugao for a cultural immersion activity aimed at deepening intercultural understanding and strengthening partnerships among the participating institutions.

New Zealand Embassy Promoted Manaaki Scholarship at Pampanga State University

Doctorate faculty and those with doctorate units from across the campuses and colleges of Pampanga State University converged on as the Embassy of New Zealand in Manila mounted a scholarship forum promoting the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme held at the Function Hall, University Hostel, February 23, 2026.

The gathering brought together some of the University’s most academically accomplished alumni and faculty members, signaling strong institutional interest in expanding global academic pathways and strengthening research linkages with New Zealand.

Representatives from the Embassy presented comprehensive information on the programme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, priority development fields, and application procedures, noting that while there is no absolute age limit, preference is given to applicants under 40 to align with its leadership development objectives.

University officials highlighted that the initiative reflects the institution’s intensified global engagement efforts. Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), underscored the strategic direction of the University’s internationalization agenda, stating, “Our internationalization needs to be aggressive yet calculated… highly intentional yet grounded.” She elaborated that expanding global linkages must go beyond symbolic partnerships and instead translate into concrete opportunities for faculty and alumni to engage in advanced study, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Welcoming the Embassy delegation on behalf of University President Dr. Enrique G. Baking, Dr. Ranie B. Canlas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training and Extension, emphasized the shifting landscape of higher education. “The new classroom is the world and the new workplace is the globe,” he said, stressing that universities must prepare scholars not only for local impact but for global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, resource speaker, the International Development Cooperation Manager of New Zealand Embassy in Manila, Ms. Dyan Mabunga inspired attendees by quoting one of her professors: “Knowledge is power but understanding is liberation.” She explained that while earning advanced degrees equips scholars with expertise, true transformation happens when knowledge is applied with cultural awareness, empathy, and a commitment to national development.

The forum concluded with an open discussion, further strengthening the University’s resolve to cultivate globally engaged and development-oriented academic leaders.

PampangaStateU Hosts U.S. Delegation to Explore Global Partnerships for Exchanges and Community Development 🌐🇵🇭🇺🇸

Pampanga State University (PSU) welcomed an international delegation led by Mr. Kenneth Woodall, CEO of Eat The Elephant and Meridian Foundation in California, for an exploratory visit and meaningful dialogue on future collaboration. The guests were warmly received by Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), Dr. Riza B. Lintag, Dean of the College of Education (COE), and Ar. Jerone T. Aga, Chairperson of the Architecture Department under the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), and they are joined by Architect Oliver Chavez, Architect Gerald Dueñas, and Dr. Wilfredo Cunanan.

The team—composed of the CEO of Design Workshop, Professor Ray Senes of California State University Pomona, UCLA researcher Ms. Alison Marie, design professionals, and college students—shared their ongoing initiatives in the country.

The visit served as a platform to exchange ideas on how higher education institutions like PampangaStateU can contribute to socio-economic and community-based development projects. Discussions highlighted potential collaboration in architecture, research, cross-cultural academic exchanges, and the involvement of PampangaStateU faculty and students in design, planning, and community engagement initiatives. With shared goals of sustainable development and global-local partnerships, the meeting opened doors for future programs that connect international expertise with the needs and aspirations of local communities in Pampanga.

Pampanga State University and Universitas Airlangga Strengthen Global Academic and Research Collaboration in Support of SDGs and Innovation

Pampanga State University (PSU), Philippines, and Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Indonesia, convened a virtual strategic meeting to advance international academic collaboration anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and innovation-driven higher education. The engagement focused on research capacity building, language and cultural exchange programs, and expanded student and faculty mobility—initiatives that directly support SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The meeting gathered faculty leaders from both institutions, creating a collaborative platform for developing impact-oriented, interdisciplinary, and cross-border academic programs. These initiatives aim to generate socially responsive research outputs, foster intercultural competence, and promote inclusive access to global learning opportunities, consistent with WURI’s emphasis on innovation, openness, and real-world relevance.

Representing Pampanga State University were Dr. Mildred M. Crisostomo, Director of the Office for International Partnerships and Programs (OIPP), and Dr. Adonis A. David, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Their leadership highlighted the university’s institutional commitment to transformative internationalization, particularly within the ASEAN higher education context. The university underscored strategies that integrate global engagement with local relevance and societal impact, reflecting best practices in WURI-recognized innovation models.

From Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Fatmawati, Vice Dean for Research and Publications of the Faculty of Science and Technology, presented strategic opportunities for collaborative, solution-oriented research aligned with sustainable development priorities. These were complemented by Prof. Rahman’s insights on science and technology integration, emphasizing innovation transfer, research productivity, and knowledge co-creation. They were also accompanied by Prof. Irfan Wahyudi, S.Sos., M.Comms., PhD, the Director of Airlangga Global Engagement. UNAIR’s extensive experience in international grants, research commercialization, and academic mobility further strengthens the partnership’s innovation potential.

This emerging PampangaStateU–UNAIR collaboration reinforces ASEAN regional integration through higher education and positions both institutions as globally engaged, socially responsible, and innovation-driven universities. By advancing collaborative research, inclusive mobility, and intercultural learning, the partnership contributes meaningfully to sustainable development outcomes while aligning with WURI’s core criteria of innovation, global impact, and future readiness.