USeP - International Affairs Division

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation (FiTA) of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) strengthened their international partnership through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3 August 2026.

Held via Google Meet, the ceremony brought togetherrepresentatives from both institutions, with USeP hosting the ceremonial signing at the USeP Board Room and FiTA hosting from the Smart Classroom at UiTM’s Puncak Perdana Campus.

The ceremony featured a welcome address from Associate Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Aida Wan Yahaya, Dean of FiTA, UiTM, followed by institutional presentations and the formal signing of the MoU. Representing USeP was University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., who delivered the University’s message during the ceremony.

The partnership marks another milestone in USeP’s continuing efforts to expand its international linkages and foster meaningful connections with higher education
institutions in the region. Through this partnership, USeP and FiTA, UiTM lay the groundwork for future institutional and academic engagements that can broaden opportunities for collaboration and international exchange.

𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

The University of Southeastern Philippines, home of our Training of Volunteer Trainers, once again opened its doors as RightStart: Learn Your Rights! delivered its labor rights education workshop to USeP students.

Participants engaged with foundational concepts of Philippine labor law, from employment contracts and workplace safety to the mechanisms available for the protection of workers' rights, through dynamic sessions anchored on the RightStart Labor Rights Board Game.

We recognize the invaluable contributions of our volunteer facilitators, our international delegates from the United States, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, and the YSEALI Alumni Small Grants Program, which continues to make this advocacy possible.

Our deepest appreciation goes to the USeP community for its steadfast partnership in advancing rights education among the youth.

Empowered students today, protected workers tomorrow. Taking the RightStart!

MEET THE SCHOOL PARTNERS OF RIGHTSTART! 🎓✨

The countdown is over. RightStart: Learn Your Rights! officially takes the stage in Davao City this week, and we are proud to introduce the six partner institutions opening their doors to labor rights education.

Join us at the following venues:
📍 July 14 (AM) | AVR 3, Bolton Campus, University of Mindanao | 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 July 14 (PM) | CIC Audio Visual Room, University of Southeastern Philippines and via Zoom | 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
📍 July 15 (AM) | 6F Conference Room, Holy Cross of Davao College | 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 July 15 (PM) | Senior High School Conference Hall, Davao City National High School | 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
📍 July 16 (AM) | American Corner, Ateneo de Davao University | 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 July 16 (PM) | Mandaya Building AVR, Philippine Women's College of Davao | 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Through interactive workshops, games, and real conversations about workers' rights, we are equipping young Filipinos with the knowledge they need before they enter the workforce.

To our partner schools, thank you for believing in this vision. To our participants, we will see you there!

Learn your rights. Shape your future.
Follow for updates.

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐒𝐞𝐏

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), through the International Affairs Division, successfully held the Global Interns 2026 Exit Conference on July 2, 2026, honoring the successful completion of the six-month Global Training Grant Programme conducted in partnership with the University of Deusto, Spain. The programme recognized the accomplishments of Andrea Blanco, Andrea Pardavilla, Manu Aizpurua, David Rua, and Kebir Colmenero, who completed their internship from January 12 to July 2, 2026. Throughout their stay, the interns actively contributed to USeP's academic and internationalization initiatives by sharing their knowledge, culture, and expertise across various colleges and academic programs while fostering intercultural understanding and global engagement among students, faculty members, and the University community.

Throughout the six-month programme, the Global Interns undertook a comprehensive array of academic, cultural, and community engagement activities. Their programme encompassed virtual prearrival orientations, participation in the University’s Semestral Kick-Off, and courtesy visits to the Office of the University President, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII, and the Spanish Consulate. They also engaged in campus and school immersion activities, the Tree Planting Initiative at the Tagum-Mabini Campus, the Foster Activity with the University President, classroom team-teaching sessions, foreign language instruction, Python programming workshops, and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing across multiple colleges. These activities reinforce the University’s strategic commitment to internationalization and global collaboration.

The Exit Conference was attended by Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., University President; Dr. Jennifer Nueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Adora P. Zerrudo, Director of the International Affairs Division; Dr. Raquel D. Almasa, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Jennifer C. Hinlo, Dean of the College of Applied Economics; Engr. Joie D. Cataytay, Dean of the College of Engineering, represented by Engr. Randy M. Tongson, Associate Dean; Dr. Susan Vicente D. Villarente, Program Head of the Bachelor of Special Needs Education; Dr. Gladys Florangel Ortiz, Internationalization Coordinator of the USeP Mintal Campus; Dr. Reynaldo M. Nogodula, Internationalization Coordinator of the USeP Obrero Campus; Ms. Gresiel E. Ferrando, Program Head of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science; Mr. Henry O. Paden II, Bachelor of Public Administration student; and Mr. Jan Laurance T. Guieb and Mr. Justin Rosel Panganoron, students of the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering. During the program, the University officials, faculty members, collaborators, and student representatives shared heartfelt testimonials recognizing the Global Interns' invaluable contributions to teaching, learning, cultural exchange, and USeP's continuing internationalization efforts.

As they return home, Andrea Blanco, Andrea Pardavilla, Manu Aizpurua, David Rua, and Kebir Colmenero leave behind a legacy of friendship, collaboration, and meaningful global engagement. Their journey at USeP reflects the University's continued commitment to fostering international partnerships and providing transformative learning experiences that transcend borders, cultures, and disciplines.

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝, 𝐔𝐒𝐞𝐏 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐕𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐨𝐍 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬.

With its mission to become a premier research university in ASEAN and beyond, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) hosted institutional visits from Tra Vinh University (TVU), Vietnam, and Dr. Swe Khin-Htun of the University of Nottingham (UoN) on April 27, 2026, at the USeP Obrero Campus.

The TVU delegation was led by the Director of the Department of International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa, along with Vice Dean of the Department of Management Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Phuong, Director of the International Education Institute Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, and Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology Dr. Vo Phuoc Hung. The visit provided a strategic platform for both institutions to strengthen existing ties and explore expanded avenues for academic and research collaboration. Among the highlights were a consultative meeting with prospective participants of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative, alongside a lecture and research presentation session that showcased shared areas of expertise. These engagements facilitated substantive dialogue, promoted the dynamic exchange of knowledge and best practices, and laid the groundwork for potential joint programs and collaborative initiatives moving forward.

Meanwhile, Dr. Swe’s institutional visit aligns with the University’s commitment to advancing the quality of medical education and strengthening faculty development within the School of Medicine (SoM). Her engagement aims to enhance pedagogical competencies among medical educators, particularly in bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and clinical practice.

Following the courtesy call, a breakout session was held to discuss partnership directions and identify priority areas for collaboration. Dr. Swe met with University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, and School of Medicine faculty members Dr. Rose Beatriz Diaz and Dr. Vernadette Adalin to discuss initiatives in medical education and faculty capability development.

Breakout discussions with the Tra Vinh University delegation covered multiple disciplines. Assoc. Prof. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa was grouped with Director of the International Affairs Division Dr. Adora P. Zerrudo, IZN Coordinator for the Tagum-Mabini Unit Dr. Joyce C. Limbaga, and College of Teacher Education and Technology faculty members Dr. Arnulfo Masong and Dr. Jose G. Tan, to explore opportunities for teacher education, internationalization programs, and academic exchange.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Phuong and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung engaged with Dean of the College of Applied Economics Dr. Jennifer E. Hinlo, Dean of the School of Law Atty. Jamil Adrian Khalil L. Matalam, IZN Coordinator for the Mintal Campus Dr. Gladys Florangel I. Ortiz, and faculty members Dr. Roperto Deluna Jr., Dr. Ivee V. Fuerzas, Atty. Karlo Martin C. Caramugan, and Ms. Wendy C. Aledon to discuss potential collaborations in economics, law, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vo Phuoc Hung met with Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Joie D. Cataytay, Dean of the College of Information and Computing Dr. Cristina E. Dumdumaya, and Program Head of the College of Technology Asst. Prof. Gretchen T. Cabunita to identify priority areas in engineering, technology, and innovation driven programs.

These institutional visits underscore USeP’s continued commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and meaningful global partnerships. By fostering crossborder collaboration and knowledge sharing, the University not only enhances its educational and research capabilities but also contributes to the broader global agenda of sustainable and inclusive development.

Furthermore, these institutional engagements strongly contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive, innovative, and globally connected learning environments, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthened international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives among higher education institutions.

[𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍] 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Ready to unlearn to learn? Register FREE Today! Open for all students who are interested to join.

Join us for the Virtual Student Leadership Seminar organized by USeP Gender and Development Team, spearheaded by Dr. Cynthia S. Alpas and Dr. Leonila M. Fajardo.

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Secure your spot now:
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfQ7jXPn3Hs3p.../viewform

Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Philippine Time)

Zoom Meeting Details
Meeting ID: 838 912 8397
Passcode: USeP2026
https://zoom.us/j/8389128397?omn=98904491061

Meet our distinguished resource speaker: Ms. Zaloa Lafuente, a Spanish Gender Expert and Feminist Scholar.

E-certificates will be awarded to all participants!

Don't miss this opportunity to unlearn and learn student leadership skills!



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[𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍] 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 – 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Ready to unlearn to learn? Register FREE Today! Open for all students who are interested to join.

Join us for the Virtual Student Leadership Seminar organized by USeP Gender and Development Team, spearheaded by Dr. Cynthia S. Alpas and Dr. Leonila M. Fajardo.

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Secure your spot now:
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQ7jXPn3Hs3pKG598wwEG6rMbW0i-s2zzMa6IG7IXLyIiWmQ/viewform

Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Philippine Time)

Zoom Meeting Details
Meeting ID: 838 912 8397
Passcode: USeP2026
https://zoom.us/j/8389128397?omn=98904491061

Meet our distinguished resource speaker: Ms. Zaloa Lafuente, a Spanish Gender Expert and Feminist Scholar.

E-certificates will be awarded to all participants!

Don't miss this opportunity to unlearn and learn student leadership skills!

[𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊] 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬; 𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐒𝐞𝐏

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) proudly welcomed Assistant Professor Hiromi Yamauchi from Hiroshima University on March 9, 2026, for a meaningful institutional visit that reaffirmed the University’s strong commitment to global engagement, academic excellence, and inclusive education.

A highlight of the visit was the lecture of Assistant Professor Yamauchi on gender-based violence and harassment, which provided valuable insights into fostering safer and more inclusive academic spaces. Present during the discussion were Dr. Adora P. Zerrudo, Director of the International Affairs Division; Asso. Prof. Genesesly R. Tahoy, Director of the Gender and Development Office; Ms. Jorene L. Jacot, Director of the University Assessment and Guidance Center; Mr. Ivan Rhay Jeferson C. Sapar from the Office of Student Affairs and Services; and selected USeP students.

The discussion underscored the importance of awareness, prevention, and collective responsibility in addressing gender-related issues within educational institutions. Students, faculty members, and university personnel actively engaged in the session, reflecting the University’s continuing advocacy for gender sensitivity, safe learning environments, and a culture of respect within the academic community.

The visit also served as a significant platform for knowledge exchange and partnership-building. Through productive meetings with university officials, faculty members, and key offices, both parties explored potential collaborations in research, education, and cross-cultural initiatives. These discussions aimed to strengthen institutional linkages and develop programs that will benefit students, educators, and the wider academic community.

USeP expresses its sincere appreciation to Assistant Professor Yamauchi for her valuable time, expertise, and dedication to promoting academic cooperation and cultural understanding.

[𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!] USeP receives CHED Certificate of Commendation at ICONS 2025 Awards

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) was formally conferred a Certificate of Commendation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2025 held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on December 10, 2025.

On behalf of USeP, Dr. Reynaldo M. Nogodula, International Affairs Officer, accepted the commendation. The award recognizes the institution’s exemplary leadership in the advancement of Philippine higher education, particularly its unwavering commitment to internationalization, sustainability, and global academic engagement.

CHED highlighted USeP’s strong performance in internationally recognized university rankings, noting its placement in the Quacquarelli Symonds Asia University Rankings 2026 at the 1201–1300 band and its inclusion in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 in the 1501+ tier. These distinctions reinforce the University’s continuing efforts to elevate academic quality, strengthen research productivity, and broaden global partnerships. The commendation also affirms USeP’s growing visibility in the international higher education landscape and its sustained pursuit of excellence.

The ICONS 2025 ceremony featured keynote messages from CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and Commissioners Dr. Michelle Aguilar Ong and Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, who emphasized the central role of internationalization in elevating Philippine higher education. The event presented several categories of recognition, including international rankings distinctions, global citizenship initiatives, sustainability and ASEAN programs, emerging leadership citations, and awards for outstanding international relations offices.

CHED reiterated that the ICONS Awards aims to honor institutions that actively contribute to national development through global collaboration and sustainable education practices. USeP’s commendation reflects its ongoing commitment to developing globally competent graduates and advancing initiatives that support national progress.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐒𝐞𝐏 𝐁𝐒𝐇𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚

The Fourth-Year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students of the University of Southeastern Philippines conducted an International Educational Tour (IET) 2025 from 04–11 November 2025, traversing selected learning sites in the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. The program was conceptualized as an experiential learning intervention designed to operationalize theory-to-practice integration in hospitality, tourism, and service management education.

The domestic component of the tour commenced in Manila and Laguna, where students undertook an industrial exposure visit to Gardenia Philippines. This engagement enabled participants to observe contemporary automated production systems, quality assurance frameworks, and food safety governance structures in high-volume manufacturing environments. Complementary learning activities were undertaken at the National Museum of the Philippines, Intramuros, and Fort Santiago, reinforcing critical reflection on the role of heritage conservation and historical narratives in sustainable tourism development and destination positioning.

Professional exposure was further enhanced through a technical and operational seminar conducted by MacroAsia Catering Services, which highlighted inflight catering logistics, aviation service protocols, and service quality management systems. Observational and reflective learning continued through hotel facility familiarization exercises and gastronomic tourism modules in Binondo, emphasizing the value of food heritage as a dimension of cultural tourism and entrepreneurial practice.

The international phase of the program was implemented in Seoul, Republic of Korea, beginning with an institutional exposure visit to Seoul National University. The visit functioned as a comparative academic lens through which students examined curricular internationalization, campus-based hospitality services, and global standards in higher education tourism-related programs. Applied learning was reinforced through a site-based analysis at Everland, where students engaged in structured observation of theme park management models, visitor circulation systems, and guest experience engineering.

Cultural immersion was positioned as one of the main elements of the program. Key learning sites included Nami Island, Petite France, and N Seoul Tower, which served as empirical contexts for analyzing destination branding, experiential tourism frameworks, and urban visitor mobility. Heritage-based learning was further highlighted through engagements at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Participatory workshops, including kimchi production and traditional hanbok wearing, were integrated to advance intercultural competence, embodied learning, and service empathy formation.

Contemporary urban tourism dynamics were examined through structured field observations at COEX Starfield Library, K-POP Star Road, Seoul Forest, and selected commercial and youth-oriented districts. These environments functioned as living laboratories for analyzing creative tourism, popular culture commodification, and the spatial organization of leisure economies.

The International Educational Tour 2025 demonstrates the strategic value of transnational field-based learning in hospitality and tourism education. The program contributed to the development of professional reflexivity, cross-cultural literacy, and operational awareness among participants, while reinforcing the institutional internationalization agenda of the College of Business Administration. The successful completion of the tour affirms the role of experiential learning in producing globally competent hospitality and tourism graduates.