EVSU Ormoc Internationalization Initiatives and Activities

𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗜𝗔 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗢𝗚𝗖𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The English Literature Department, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) of Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA), successfully held the 6th Online Global Cultural Exchange (OGCE) 2025 from October 27–31, 2025. Conducted virtually, this year’s program continued UNISSULA’s flagship initiative aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration through the lens of literature.

Carrying the theme “Authenticity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Preserving Human Voices in the World of Literature,” OGCE 2025 explored how genuine human creativity, emotion, and storytelling remain essential in an era increasingly shaped by technology. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how literature serves as a bridge that connects diverse cultures while preserving empathy and authenticity amid digital transformation.

The five-day program brought together 140 participants—including 16 UNISSULA students and 124 international delegates representing 10 countries: Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Pakistan, China, France, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. In total, students and faculty from 43 partner universities worldwide joined the event, engaging in collaborative projects, literary webinars, and cultural exchanges that highlighted the power of words to unite people across borders.

A key highlight of the event was the Best Cultural Exhibition Award, which went to the Colombian delegation for their vibrant presentation showcasing the richness of their nation’s traditions. Their performance served as an inspiration to other participants, emphasizing the value of celebrating cultural diversity within global academic spaces.

The Eastern Visayas State University-Ormoc Campus (EVSU-OC) was among the international participants, represented by Cris Carlo R. Buri, President of the Association of Hospitality Management Students (AHMS); Jia Alyssa D. De Sape, AHMS Vice President; Edelyn Rose Joson, AHMS Head Committee on Communication and Archives; and Ms. Lyra Calvez, MPM, BSHM Faculty. Their participation was made possible through the coordination and support of Prof. Faustito A. Aure, MRD, EVSU- Main Director of Internationalization, Dr. Maricel A. Gomez, the Campus Director of EVSU-OC and Ms. Alvijean Weti, MSHRM, EVSU-OC Internationalization Coordinator, who facilitated the university’s involvement in the international exchange program.

Notably, the group led by Ms. Joson earned distinction by winning the Group Poem Competition with their piece titled “Resonance.” The poem, co-created with Ms. Marjorie, Ms. Aisyah, Ms. Brylle, Mr. Kervin, Mr. Benedict, and their group buddy Ms. Aussitta, delivered a heartfelt call for peace that transcends borders and languages. “Resonance” serves as a poignant reminder that even amid war and injustice, humanity’s shared hope and compassion can rise above division—uniting voices across the world in pursuit of lasting peace.

The continued success of OGCE stands as a testament to UNISSULA’s strong commitment to internationalization and intercultural dialogue. Through the collaboration of the English Literature Department and the Office of International Affairs, the university continues to build meaningful global partnerships—proving that literature and the humanities remain vital pathways toward understanding, empathy, and peace in an AI-driven world.

✒️: Kabar Sastra and Cris Carlo R. Buri