CHED RO2 TAPS CSU EXPERTISE TO ELEVATE INTERNATIONALIZATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

MALLIG, ISABELA – In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of higher education in Cagayan Valley, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 02 has officially partnered with Cagayan State University (CSU) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed today, May 19, 2025 at Mallig Plains Colleges.

This collaboration seeks to tap into CSU’s extensive expertise in university rankings and internationalization, positioning local institutions for greater success on the global stage.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Officer-In-Charge University President of CSU, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership through the initiative of RD Julieta Paras.

He said this agreement is a pioneering step toward unifying our universities in Region II, enabling us to meet international standards and enhance our educational offerings. “I appreciate RD Paras for bringing us together for the first time, and by working together, we can significantly improve the quality of education and research in our region,” he added.

The MOA outlines several key objectives, including the engagement of CSU experts to provide capacity-building initiatives focused on prestigious global university ranking systems such as The Times Higher Education or THE, World University Rankings for Innovation or WURI and Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking or QS.

The agreement also aims to assist higher education institutions in Region II in improving their global standings, fostering partnerships with both local and international academic entities and enhancing research and development efforts to align with international benchmarks.

In light of this partnership, Dr. Ibañez has called upon the CHED Central Office to provide financial support for the internationalization efforts in Region II. “For this initiative to reach its full potential, we need the backing of the central office. Financial assistance will be crucial in implementing these capacity-building programs and ensuring our institutions can compete globally,” he emphasized.

Joining OIC Ibañez are VP for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan, Director for Internationalization Dr. Kristinne Lara, Quality Assurance Director Dr. Maridy Calanoga, THE Focal Person Dr. Giged Battung, Campus QA Directors Ms. Rio Averil Pamittan and Ms. Shelley Tungcul, Campus IPRM Director Ms. Arlen Calimag, and Focal Person for WURI and QS Rankings Dr. Ronnie Pasigui, who is also tasked to lecture on Mapping of the Different University Ranking Methodologies.