San Beda University, through the Office of the Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs headed by Prof. Dr. Tita Evasco-Branzuela, celebrated the 5th International Linkages Week (ILW) with the theme “SDGs/ESD Initiatives and Innovations: Responding with Faith to the Mission and Global Call to Action for Sustainable Development” on October 24-28, 2022.
ILW 2022 resonates with the global call of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Education for Sustainable Development towards ending poverty, protection, conservation, and preservation of our natural environment, peace, and prosperity. Moreover, it also highlighted the role of San Beda University as an educational institution in achieving a well-transformed society in a more sustainable future.
Among the gist were the numerous activities in partnership with SBUs international institutions and networks including the ASEAN Learning Network (ALN); Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia; Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia; Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR), Indonesia; Kalbis Institute, Indonesia; Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), India; Art of Giving Foundation, India; and AltusTech Solutions Corp., Philippines. Joining this annual event are the different offices of San Beda University such as the Campus Ministry Office, Senior High School-Manila Campus, Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Community Engagement Center, Information and Communications Technology Center, Research and Development Center, and the Graduate School of Business.
ILW 2022 commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. John Paul II D. Plana, OSB, Director of Campus Ministry Office. The mass was attended by the university personnel from the different offices. They also spearheaded the Kumpisalang Bayan (Mass Confession) for all employees. Other religious activities were also conducted including the Living Rosary of the SHS-Manila in line as well with the celebration of the Rosary Month. The institution honors and acknowledges the Almighty’s presence in all its events. Moreover, wisdom, guidance, and a discerning mind is sought for successful implementation.
International activities also filled the ILW 2022 celebration that centered on Sustainable Development including SDGs/ESD Initiative and Innovations for Sustainable Development, ALN Students’ Collaboration for the SDGs, and Lecture Sharing on the Art of Giving. Speakers from across the country were invited to share their expertise about initiatives and innovations that respond to the global call for sustainability. They are as follows: Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Bin Md Din (UTM); Asst. Prof. Dr. Montira Leelakriangsak (PSU), Prof. Ir. Dr. Teti Armiati Argo (ITB); Mr. Fernando Mulia (Deputy Executive Director of ALN and Lecturer of UNPAR); Mr. Naik Henokh Parmenas (Rector, Kalbis Intitute, Indonesia); Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini (Director of Student Counseling, KIIT).
Apart from international guest speakers, SBU’s Mr. Dominador Manlincon (Dean of Student Affairs) and Ms. Barbie Yanga (Head, IT Development Service) graced the event by sharing their time-tested professional experience in organizing and developing student organization and the healthy use of technology among students, respectively. Dr. Jobe Viernes (Coordinator, Graduate School of Business) and Dr. Michael Pasco (Faculty, Graduate School of Business) presented their research during the 2nd Sustainability Research Forum organized by the Research and Development Center headed by Dr. Divina M. Edralin.
The webinar on Smart Campuses: Accelerating Development Through Technology Innovation in the Post-Pandemic Era established the competitive position of San Beda University’s Information and Communications Technology Center (ICTC) through the initiative of its dynamic leaders – Mr. Albert C. Silva (Director, ICTC), Mr. Joel G. Filamor (Head, IT Communications Office), and Ms. Barbara M. Yanga (Head, IT Development Service) along with the unit’s hardworking technophiles. Boosted with digital applications and state-of-the-art digital visuals, it draws the event’s digital crowd and provide them the barometer to come up with a more engaging experience of the now internet-connected educational format and how it shaped the new normal education landscape as it affects teaching, learning, and other academic services to better facilitate students learning experience in the post-pandemic era.
As a platform to highlight the crucial dimensions of education in academics, research, and community engagements, the ILW 2022 showcased activities that allow its stakeholders to be Engaged in the World and produce graduates who are globally competitive.
Source: 1682400085_TBT_JAN_2023_Issue.pdf (sanbeda.edu.ph) pages 40-41.