San Beda University (SBU), through the Office of the Vice President for Linkages and International Affairs headed by Prof. Dr. Tita Evasco-Branzuela, was awarded first place in the recently concluded “Borderless Learning Online Competition” organized by the Commission on Higher Education– National Capital Region (CHED-NCR).  The said event was participated in by various public and private universities in the region. It was held in celebration of the 56th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the category, Journey Towards Quality Transnational Higher Education: Best Higher Education Institution Internalization Initiatives Competition. The awarding ceremony was concluded at CHED Auditorium on September 15, 2023. 

In an ever-globalizing world, San Beda University as a higher education institution highlights that in its journey, it stands committed to a vision that transcends borders. With a rich history, SBU envisions graduates who are not only academically competent professionals but also global citizens and responsible servant-leaders. Through academics, research, and community engagements, curriculum benchmarking, standardization and internationalization, outreach and service-learning, and exchanges, SBU has woven an international tapestry, bolstered by partnerships spanning continents, contributing to a vibrant ASEAN student community, faculty accolades on global platforms, and students taking on the international stage through active memberships in international networks and establishing bilateral partnerships. 

SBU’s internationalization initiatives through integrative stewardship, collaborative partnerships in academics, research, and community engagements are also its means towards contributing to sustainability and peace. Challenges like adapting to diverse educational systems and ensuring alignment with foundational values have been met with resilience and adaptability. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) guides our journey, mirroring the ASEAN Commitment and aligning with the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth towards inclusive, holistic, participatory, and reflecting greater engagement and consultations with ASEAN member communities. 

It is worth noting that the national mandate and policy for higher educational institutions to internationalize was issued through the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1 Series of 2000.  The focus then was to further the initiatives of higher education institutions to internationalize and to further the benchmarking efforts on quality assurance and standards. Notably, like San Beda, for other educational institutions the issuances of other related CMOs further assisted and supported their engaging in internationalization activities.

This warrants that activities of the University are in accordance with global standards to proactively respond to the challenges of meeting the global quality and standards of teaching and learning. San Beda’s commitment to nurturing and promoting social, political, environmental, and economic development has remained steadfast and resolute in elevating the reputation of Philippine Higher Education Institutions in the wider international community. 

With many international networks and partner institutions, SBU established an enabling environment to support the honing of future-ready leaders through recognized global programs and activities. Leveraging its partnerships momentum, the entire Bedan community’s synergistic support ensures all development efforts are geared towards the realization of Quality Education to ensure that Bedans as ASEAN learners are well-prepared to navigate the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous future. 

This commitment is felt within and beyond the ASEAN Regions, with initiatives like the Social Enterprise for Economic Development and International Research Conferences contributing to a stronger internationalized Higher Education Institution. Together with Southeast Asian nations, SBU’s impactful plans and solutions will continue to engage the world with a Strong mind, Brave heart, and Undaunted spirit towards nation building and global sustainability.

Author: Greg Emmanuel D. Baniaga

Source: SBU