Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region II have taken a bold step toward strengthening their global presence through the Building Resilience and Innovation in Developing Global Engagements (BRIDGE): Capacity Building and Strategic Internationalization Planning for HEIs in Region II workshop held on 10 March 2025 at the University of Cagayan Valley. This initiative aims to enhance the internationalization (IZN) strategies of HEIs and foster regional collaboration for a unified Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP).

The distinguished pool of experts who were invited to guide HEIs in their internationalization journey, focusing on sharing best practices and university ranking preparations were the following:

• Dr. Rodney T. Cajimat (Nueva Vizcaya State University) – The IZN Journey of NVSU
• Dr. Clara M. Gonzales (Saint Mary’s University) – IZN Strategies and Strategic Plan Sharing
• Dr. Giged T. Battung (Cagayan State University) – Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking Methodologies
• Dr. Ronnie E. Pasigui (Cagayan State University) – World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and QS Rankings
• Prof. Rio Averil C. Pamittan (Cagayan State University – Carig) – Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking Methodologies
• Dr. Jeremy Godofredo C. Morales (St. Paul University Philippines) – Internationalization of the Curriculum: Prospects and Challenges

Dr. Jocelyn Carag, IZN Focal Person and Education Supervisor II of CHEDRO II, emphasized the crucial role of HEIs in complying with the Internationalization Scoping Survey, an essential step in identifying and addressing key gaps. She also underscored the importance of creating Strategic Internationalization Plans (SIPs) aligned with the CHED-IAS Output & Outcome Indicators and CHED’s Strategic Plan where Internationalization is one of its priority. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that HEIs integrate internationalization into their academic systems effectively.

Meanwhile, CHEDRO II Regional Director Julieta M. Paras stressed IZN as a shared responsibility amongst HEIs in the Valley. “Let us commit, as a unified force, to building resilient and innovative higher education systems that transcend borders. Let us empower institutions to rise together, ensuring that no HEI in the Region is left behind,” she said.

As part of the event, CHEDRO II’s internationalization initiatives will be reinforced through the newly elected officers of the Internationalization Association in Region 02, tasked with supporting CHEDRO II’s IZN mainstreaming efforts and set to drafting its bylaws. This marks a significant milestone in fostering a sustainable, region-wide internationalization network.

With the collective commitment of HEIs, the region is poised for an IZN breakthrough, paving the way for greater global engagement and recognition in international university rankings. (Source : JDF/CHEDRO II)