BSU-International Relations Office

📢 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦: 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Capture the beauty of ASEAN culture, heritage, identity, and connectivity through your lens! 🌏✨ Whether it's a shot that shows Cordillera's link to ASEAN or the region's shared diversity — we want to see it!

🏆 Prizes: ₱5,000 (Champion) | ₱3,000 (1st Runner-up) | ₱2,000 (2nd Runner-up)

📅 Deadline: September 5, 2026, 6:00 PM

📲 Scan the QR code on our poster to register and submit your entries!

🎉 Awarding will be held at the University of the Cordilleras as part of the culminating program of ASEAN ALLUYON 2026: Advancing Local Learning, Unity, Youth, and Opportunities through Networks – Weaving Indigenous Knowledge, Heritage, and Higher Education into ASEAN Connectivity.

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

As we count down to PISTA 2026: Pagdiriwang ng Inobasyon sa Saliksik, Turo, at Aral ng mga Wika, get to know the distinguished speakers who will share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on the theme:

"AI as a Tool in Language Research, Pedagogy, and Learning of Languages"

🌏 Featuring speakers from the Philippines and other countries, the symposium brings together diverse academic perspectives on language, education, research, and emerging technologies.

Meet our featured speakers:

🎤 DR. DANIEL KAUFMAN
Associate Professor of Linguistics
Queens College and the CUNY Graduate Center
Department of Linguistics and Communication Disorders
Queens College, City University of New York, USA

🎤 LUIZ CARLOS RODRIGUES
Teacher, interpreter, and translator
Creator and reviewer of teaching materials
Predoctoral Research Professor
University of Huelva, Spain

🎤 DR. LINA ABRAITIENĖ
English lecturer
Institute of Foreign Languages
Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania

🎤 DR. MARILYN W. MACWES
Assistant Professor
Department of Filipino
College of Arts and Humanities
Benguet State University, Philippines

Join us as we explore the theme:

“AI as a Tool in Language Research, Pedagogy and Learning of Languages”

📅 September 3, 2026 (Thursday)
🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PHT | UTC+8)
💻 Online via Zoom
💰 Registration Fee: ₱500.00
👥 Limited to 250 participants

📌 Register here:
https://forms.gle/UTituWJrEerDfGhX9

Only 9 days left! Secure your slot and be part of the conversation.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - Empowering BSU Learners Through Global Perspectives on Research and AI Governance

Benguet State University hosted a lecture series featuring Prof. Pablo Antonio Cano Jiménez of the University of Huelva, Spain, on August 18, 2026, bringing international perspectives and expertise closer to the University’s students and academic community.

The morning session, held for students and staff of the College of Human Kinetics, centered on research, academic writing, and the effective presentation and interpretation of research findings. With the theme “Beyond the Numbers: Presenting Results and Writing Insightful Discussions,” the session provided participants with valuable insights on going beyond the presentation of numerical data and developing meaningful discussions from research results.

The seminar opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Marlon S. Tabdi, Dean of the College of Human Kinetics, followed by the rationale presented by Kaycee P. Bugtong of CHK Research. Rex John G. Bawang, Director of the International Relations Office (IRO), introduced Prof. Cano Jimenez before the seminar proper. The morning session also included an open forum, allowing participants to engage with the speaker and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed.

In the afternoon, Prof. Cano Jimenez continued the lecture series online via Zoom for students and staff of the College of Public Administration and Governance. The session focused on the timely and evolving role of artificial intelligence in the public sector, carrying the title “AI in Governance: From Technological Innovation to Public Value, Trust, and Responsible Government.”

The lecture explored how AI can move beyond technological innovation to contribute to public value while emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, ethics, and responsible government. The session provided participants with an opportunity to examine the implications of AI adoption in governance and its potential to support more responsive and effective public administration.

Through the two sessions, Prof. Cano Jimenez shared international perspectives that complemented BSU’s commitment to strengthening research capacity, academic engagement, and internationalization. The lecture series also highlighted the value of knowledge exchange between BSU and international academic partners in equipping students and personnel with relevant perspectives and competencies for an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.

On August 19, Prof. Cano Jimenez also visited the BSU Open University, where he met with faculty and staff. He also met with Open University Director Samuel S. Poliden to discuss possible areas of collaboration and partnership, including the potential delivery of a Spanish language program through the Open University, as well as other initiatives that may strengthen academic cooperation between the two institutions.

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐨 - BSU Welcomes Back Professor Pablo from the University of Huelva

Benguet State University once again welcomed Professor Pablo Antonio Cano Jiménez from the University of Huelva, Spain, for an Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility at the University on August 17, 2026.

Professor Pablo’s visit began at the College of Teacher Education (CTE) Secondary Laboratory School, where he was toured around by Ms. Imee Cuadra and Ms. Judith Sacley. IRO Director Rex John G. Bawang accompanied Professor Pablo throughout the tour, which also provided an opportunity for a brief exchange on international mobility experiences and discussions on possible areas of collaboration and activities with the Secondary Laboratory School.

The visit continued at the College of Teacher Education, where Professor Pablo met with CTE Dean Divina M. Yango and CTE IRO Coordinator Dolores Alawas. He also observed one of the classes and engaged with students in a discussion on language and culture. Following the class, he met with the Dean and IRO Coordinator to discuss possible areas of collaboration and activities for the college.

In the afternoon, Professor Pablo was invited to serve as a panelist during a session with Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) students from the College of Arts and Humanities, who are currently taking Foreign Language and Translation Studies. The students presented their research on Spanish language and culture, giving them the opportunity to share their work and receive insights from a native Spanish speaker and educator. Professor Pablo shared his perspectives and experiences, helping the students gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture they were studying.

The day concluded with a cultural welcome hosted by Benguet State University. The gathering was attended by faculty and staff from the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Teacher Education, including faculty members who were once Professor Pablo’s students in Spanish language.

During the program, CTE IRO Coordinator Dolores Alawas formally opened and welcomed Professor Pablo and shared that this marks his fourth visit to Benguet State University, reflecting the continuing connection between the University and the University of Huelva.

Adding to the warm welcome, the BSU KONTAD showcased the University’s rich cultural heritage through a series of traditional dances. The BSU RONDALLA, conducted by Ms. Alma Vida G. Gallardo, also provided a series of musical performances that enriched the evening.

The cultural welcome concluded with a community dance participated in by the faculty, staff, students, and guests, bringing everyone together in celebration of friendship, culture, and international exchange.

Professor Pablo’s visit further strengthens the continuing partnership between Benguet State University and the University of Huelva, creating opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration in education, language, culture, research, and international mobility.

Your expertise can help shape solutions to regional challenges.

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program provides an opportunity for government officials, private sector and industry professionals, researchers, and policy practitioners to conduct research and engage with counterparts in the United States.

If you're a government official, researcher, or private sector professional with an interest in advancing U.S.-ASEAN cooperation, join our upcoming sessions to learn more about the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program and receive guidance on preparing a competitive application.

📍 Program Information Session
August 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM (Manila Time) | Zoom
Register: https://bit.ly/4yAxUzI
📍 Application Writing Workshop
September 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM (Manila Time) | Hybrid (In-person & Zoom)
Register: https://bit.ly/4pdaYmc
Save your slot today! Applications close on October 16, 2026.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄! - Benguet State University welcomes Halu Oleo University

Delegates from Halu Oleo University, Indonesia, visited Benguet State University on August 14, 2026, as part of their engagement with the Schools Division of Benguet. The visit included a courtesy call and discussions on possible partnerships, academic collaboration, knowledge sharing, and other activities that may benefit both institutions.

The delegation was composed of Prof. Dr. Arifuddin Mas'ud, S.E., M.Si., Ak; Prof. Sarani Yusuf; Prof. Dr. Sudirman Zaid, S.E., M.Si.; Dr. Sri Wiyati Mahrani, S.E., M.Si.; Dr. Halifatullah, S.H., M.H. Alwi, S.Sos.; and Far Faisal.

During the courtesy visit at the Office of the University President, the delegation was welcomed by BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan, IRO Director Rex John G. Bawang, and Marviz Kiong, a student from the College of Teacher Education who is set to participate in a student mobility program at Halu Oleo University.

Also present during the courtesy visit were representatives from the Department of Education–Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd-CAR), including Aladin M. Dobinto, Chief Education Supervisor; Melchor C. Tican, Public Schools District Supervisor; and Delarosa Delmas, Public Schools District Supervisor.

Following the courtesy visit, the delegation toured the BSU campus and visited the Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center, one of the University's research centers. They learned about BSU's beekeeping programs and other related initiatives. The delegates also visited the College of Forestry and observed one of its classes.

The visit continued with a meeting at the IRO Hall with representatives from the College of Agriculture, College of Forestry, College of Teacher Education, and the International Relations Office. The meeting provided an opportunity for both universities to learn more about each other's programs and identify possible areas of collaboration.

Among the areas discussed were student and faculty mobility, joint research, research publication, and research presentations. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both institutions expressing interest in developing a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement.

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏: BSU and PTCP ECCS Forge Partnership for International Education and Career Opportunities through MOU Signing

Benguet State University and PTCP Explore Career Consultancy Services (PTCP ECCS) formalized their commitment to strengthening international education and career opportunities through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on August 14, 2026, at the Office of the President, BSU Administration Building.

The partnership seeks to provide opportunities for the exchange of professors, researchers, and staff, as well as cultural exchanges, traineeships, study visits, and immersion activities for undergraduate and graduate students. It will also pave the way for collaborative initiatives in marketing, program promotion, and information sessions that support international education and career development.

The MOU was signed by BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan and PTCP ECCS CEO/Manager Ms. Elisabeth Joy P. Sudango, with IRO Director Rex John G. Bawang and PTCP ECCS Assistant Manager Irene Victore serving as witnesses.

Through this partnership, BSU and PTCP ECCS reaffirm their shared commitment to expanding global opportunities and empowering students, faculty, and staff through meaningful international experiences. //R. Day-ong

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 - BSU Welcomes JICA Volunteer and TUA Student Through Cultural Exchange

Benguet State University hosted a cultural welcome program for a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer and a student from the Tokyo University of Agriculture who will be engaging with the University’s Pomology Project.

The program opened with remarks from International Relations Office Director Rex John G. Bawang, who welcomed the visitors, faculty, staff, and students from the College of Agriculture. He also gave a brief introduction to the culture that the participants would be watching and experiencing during the program.

Mr. Jamesly T. Andres, Project Leader of the Pomology Project, introduced the visitors and discussed their respective engagements with the project. Ms. Kikuchi Otoha is a JICA volunteer who will be serving under the Pomology Project for two years, while Mr. Akira Tsutsui, a student from the Tokyo University of Agriculture, will observe the research activities being conducted under the project and undertake his one-month on-the-job training.

Mr. Marvin T. Valentin, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, also delivered an inspirational message. He encouraged students to gain another perspective by learning about the education systems and experiences of other countries. He also encouraged them to take advantage of international opportunities similar to the engagement of the visitors.

Mr. Constantino T. Sudaypan also shared a message and briefly recounted how Ms. Otoha came to be a JICA volunteer at BSU. He shared that the engagement with JICA started through a proposal submitted in 2022. The proposal was resubmitted over the succeeding years until 2025, when a volunteer was identified for the project. In 2026, Ms. Otoha began her engagement with the Pomology Project and, at the time of the program, had already been with the project for five months.

He also welcomed Mr. Tsutsui and expressed his gratitude to both visitors for their future contributions to the project and the University. He hoped that their engagement at BSU would also become meaningful to them, so that when they return to Japan, they would continue to remember the University and their experiences here.

The program proceeded with presentations from Ms. Otoha and Mr. Tsutsui. Mr. Tsutsui introduced the Tokyo University of Agriculture and shared insights into Japanese culture and agriculture. Ms. Otoha then presented various aspects of Japanese culture, including Japanese shrines and temples, onsens, and school festivals. She also shared practices related to sustainable agriculture and the management of unsellable fruits and vegetables.

To synthesize the program, Mr. Jake L. Galian, College of Agriculture IRO Coordinator, shared that the gathering served not only as a way to welcome the visitors but also as an opportunity to consider them friends and part of the University community. He expressed hope that the visitors would have a good experience, create meaningful memories, and gain fruitful learning during their stay at BSU. He also thanked the organizers, participants, and visitors for making the activity possible.

The cultural welcome reflects BSU's continuing commitment to internationalization by creating opportunities for students, faculty, and international partners to learn from one another and build meaningful connections through agriculture, culture, and shared experiences.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - BSU Faculty and Staff Join Wrocław University Delegates for Plenary Session

As part of the ongoing academic engagement with the delegation from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Benguet State University hosted a plenary session with the delegation at the International Relations Office Function Hall on August 4, 2026.

Attended by BSU faculty members and staff, the activity served as a platform for knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and the continued advancement of internationalization initiatives between the two institutions.

The program commenced with an opening prayer led by Ms. Shiela Marie Donquiz of the College of Engineering, followed by the introduction of the WUST delegates by Mr. Marvin T. Valentin, Special Assistant to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The BSU participants were then introduced by Ms. Fabie Dummapi of the College of Engineering, while Mr. Naycer Jeremy G. Tulas of the College of Information Sciences presented an overview of the activities prepared for the delegation's visit.

A message of welcome was delivered by Dr. Constantino T. Sudaypan Sr., Dean of the College of Agriculture, emphasizing the value of international partnerships in advancing academic excellence, research, and innovation. Meanwhile, Ms. Lorielaine A. Baldemor of the College of Engineering shared the University's expectations for the collaborative engagement.

The highlight of the event was the plenary session featuring distinguished experts from WUST. Dr. Eng. Paweł Sokołowski, Deputy Head of the Department of Metal Forming, Welding and Metrology at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, introduced Wrocław University of Science and Technology, its Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and the Department of Metal Forming and Metrology. He also delivered a lecture on "Plasma Spraying: From Process Fundamentals to Functional Coatings and Applications," highlighting additive manufacturing and surface engineering processes. In addition, he discussed scholarship opportunities available to BSU faculty members and students who aspire to pursue academic and research endeavors in Europe.

The session continued with Adam Sajbura, PhD Candidate at WUST, who presented "Ultrasonic Atomization for Metal Powder Production and General Applications of Ultrasound in Engineering," showcasing innovative approaches and emerging technologies in materials engineering.

Completing the series of presentations, Michał Tympalski, PhD Candidate at WUST, introduced the Department of Geodesy and Geoinformatics and shared his presentation on "Monitoring Glacier Dynamics with SAR Data," demonstrating the use of advanced geospatial technologies in environmental monitoring and climate research.

The plenary session served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, academic dialogue, and the exploration of future collaborative initiatives between Benguet State University and Wrocław University of Science and Technology, further strengthening the University's commitment to internationalization and global academic partnerships.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 - Benguet State University Welcomes Delegates from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland

Benguet State University warmly welcomed delegates from Wrocław University of Science and Technology on August 3, 2026, for a weeklong academic engagement under the NAWA PROM Programme of Poland.

The delegation was led by Dr. Eng. Paweł Sokołowski, accompanied by PhD candidates Adam Sajbura and Michał Tympalski, together with Eng. Marvin T. Valentin. The delegates participated in the University's Flag Raising Ceremony before proceeding to a courtesy visit with University President Kenneth A. Laruan. They were welcomed by President Laruan, Vice President for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo, International Relations Office Director Rex John G. Bawang, College of Engineering Dean Alvin C. Dulay, and Department Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Erickson N. Dominguez.

During the courtesy visit, representatives from both institutions introduced their respective universities and discussed the activities lined up throughout the delegates' stay. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore potential areas for future collaboration in research, academic exchange, and other international initiatives.

Following the courtesy visit, the delegates, together with CIS faculty member Naycer Jeremy G. Tulas and College of Engineering faculty members Erickson N. Dominguez, Fabie Dumapi, and Sheila Marie Donguiz, toured several of the University's research facilities. They first visited the Research and Extension Building, where they met with Vice President for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres to discuss possible collaborations in research, academic initiatives, and scholarly publications.

The tour continued at the BSU Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI/IC), the Food Science Research and Innovation Center (FSRIC), and the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC), where the delegates learned about the University's food processing technologies, business incubation initiatives, and root crop research and production programs.

In the afternoon, the International Relations Office hosted a cultural welcome program at the IRO Function Hall. The delegates were treated to performances by the KONTAD Cultural Dance Troupe and the BSU Rondalla, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Cordillera and the Philippines.

Throughout the week, the delegates will participate in a series of academic engagements, including public lectures, research proposal development workshops, and collaborative discussions with BSU faculty members and students. Their visit is made possible through the NAWA PROM Programme of Poland, which supports short-term international academic mobility and fosters collaboration among higher education institutions.

The engagement also reflects BSU's continuing commitment to strengthening international partnerships, advancing research and innovation, and promoting global academic engagement.