In Photo: The newly-elected officers of the MIMAROPA International Relations Officers (IRO) Network, composed of internationalization directors and officers from various HEIs in the region.
In a milestone event, the first International Relations Officers (IRO) Network in the MIMAROPA region has been established, bringing together State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and private higher education institutions to work collectively on internationalization. The network aims to unify efforts, streamline activities, and strengthen both local linkages across schools in the region and global connections outside the country.
The network was formed as an outcome of a three-day insight event organized by CHED-MIMAROPA in partnership with Mindoro State University (MinSU), Romblon State University (RSU), Marinduque State University (MarSU), and the One Mindoro Association of Higher Education Institutions (OMAHEI). The event took place on September 16–18, 2025, at the MinSU-Main Campus in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.
In Photo: Romblon State University-International Relations Office, headed by their President, Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, sharing their internationalization journey and best practices with the participants.
According to CHED-MIMAROPA, the creation of the network marks a milestone in the region’s education landscape. It not only integrates internationalization into institutional practices but also provides a platform for schools to collaborate, share opportunities, and build stronger connections with neighboring institutions. The long-term vision is for MIMAROPA HEIs to learn from one another and work together in establishing a stronger presence in the global education community.
In Photo: Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin, Jr. giving insight on how Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) transitioned from a component campus to an internationally-recognized institution.
The event, USBONG – Uplifting Service through Borderless Opportunities and Network Growth: Fostering Service and Nurturing Global Connections for MIMAROPA HEIs, featured lectures and discussions on policies and opportunities for internationalization. Sessions also focused on action planning, quality assurance, and developing a strategic internationalization framework for participating schools.
In Photo: Mr. Dominic Liao and Mr. Kim Kenneth Roca signing the RISE MIMAROPA Manifesto of Commitment that symbolizes the shared allegiance for internationalization.
Mr. Dominic Liao, Executive Assistant to the President, and Mr. Kim Kenneth Roca, Focal for International Communications, represented Western Philippines University (WPU) on behalf of University President Dr. Amabel S. Liao and Internationalization Director Dr. Anne Gellie Pablo-Limco. Moving forward, the IRO Network will reconvene to designate committee positions among its member institutions, pushing forward CHED-MIMAROPA’s goal of advancing internationalization in the region.
Moreover, through its Internationalization and External Affairs Office (IEAO), Western Philippines University continues to strengthen its internationalization efforts. The university aims to put WPU on the global map by building meaningful partnerships, opening more opportunities for students and faculty, and expanding programs that benefit stakeholders. As a testament to this endeavor, WPU has been ranked in both the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (2024 & 2025) and the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) (2025). Looking ahead, WPU is preparing to apply for the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and QS Asia University Rankings as part of its vision to benchmark globally.
[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17]