CSU OPENS 2025 NEXUS SUMMIT, WELCOMES GLOBAL PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — Anchored on the theme, “Futures Thinking in Action: Integrating Science, Culture, and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, Cagayan State University (CSU) formally commenced the 2025 Nexus Summit, ushering in a three-day international convening at the CSU–Andrews Campus in Tuguegarao City.

Distinguished speakers and delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Taiwan, alongside representatives from numerous State Universities and Colleges across the Philippines, were warmly welcomed as CSU positioned the Cagayan Valley region as a rising hub for global academic collaboration.

CSU Andrews Campus Executive Officer Atty. Carla Marie L. Sumigad underscored the importance of unity and forward-looking partnerships. “This gathering serves as a call to action… [that] challenges each of us to share knowledge, test solutions, and build partnerships that can produce real impact,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan, Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership, and Resource Mobilization, highlighted the years of groundwork that paved the way for this milestone event.

“The Nexus Summit was not created overnight; it is a product of long-term, meaningful relationships with our foreign higher education institution partners,” she explained, noting that CSU envisioned “a different kind of conference — one that embodies CSU’s vision of bringing internationalization to the countryside and a platform where global perspectives would meet local realities.”

Dr. Kristinne Joyce A. Lara, Director for Internationalization, facilitated the presentation of participants representing partner institutions across Asia, symbolizing CSU’s expanding global network.

In his President’s Address, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, OIC of the Office of the University President, situated the summit within CSU’s broader academic agenda.

“The Nexus Summit is not an isolated undertaking. It is the natural progression of our internationalization efforts and the expansion of the red, blue, and green sustainable development goals interdisciplinary frameworks launched in 2024,” he noted.

Representing CHED Regional Director Dr. Julieta M. Paras, Internationalization Focal Person Ms. Jocelyn Carag emphasized the urgent need for ASEAN cooperation

“In ASEAN, collaboration is not just a strategy—it is a survival skill,” she said, pointing out that issues such as climate change, food security, and social equity cross borders “as freely as ASEAN tourists using this free entry.”

She added that by weaving science, culture, and innovation together, communities can build pathways that turn insights into action and action into lasting impact.

CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis delivered the keynote address, urging the academic community toward unity and shared purpose. “Development is not only about progress and productivity but also celebrating our heritage, strengthening community bonds, and illuminating stories that define who we are as a people,” she said.

The opening day continued with plenary sessions featuring three key topics: “Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence” by Rev. Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, SJD, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School of Law at San Beda University; “Philippine Medical Cannabis: Legal Shifts, Scientific Evidence, and Today’s Landscape” by Inv. Richard Nixon Gomez, CNP, President of BauerTek Farmaceutical Technologies Philippines; “Herbal Innovations for Global Wellness: A Sustainable Cultural Heritage Approach” by Dr. Rosnani Hasham, Director of the Institute of Bioproduct Development at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

The 2025 Nexus Summit continues until December 4 featuring four breakout sessions: Life Sciences, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food; Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology; Teacher Education and Human Kinetics; and Future Thinking towards Sustainable Development.

In addition, participants will join campus visits and cultural immersions in various CSU campuses, including Carig’s innovation centers—EMRDC, MEIC, and FIC; Piat’s dairy processing and production center; Lallo’s coffee plantation and processing center alongside the LGU Lallo Citronella Project; Gonzaga’s Bamboo Sanctuary and MABRIC Center; and Buguey Extension campus’ Crab Hatchery.