By Genevieve Balance Kupang
BUSAN, Korea – Baguio Central University (BCU) was part of the 376 delegates from 133 universities in 22 countries and achieved distinction at the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Conference 2025, demonstrating that Philippine universities can lead global conversations in higher education innovation. From September 24-26, 2025, at Tongmyong University in Busan, Korea, BCU’s four-member delegation presented award-winning cases across multiple sessions, moderated academic discussions, and secured a key leadership position in the World University Network of Innovation for Leaders (WUNI-L)—proving that geographic location does not limit institutional impact on the world stage.
PROJECT K.A.Y.A.B.A.N.G (Knowledge, Awareness for old and Youth, Advancement for Betterment and Nurturing Generosity)
Dr. Gina L. Casi, Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Midwifery, presented Project K.A.Y.A.B.A.N.G. (Knowledge, Awareness for old and Youth, Advancement for Betterment and Nurturing Generosity), BCU’s community-empowerment initiative under Category B2: Empowerment-Based Management. The project mobilized 29 faculty members (99% of the department) and 151 students (30.2%) to deliver free healthcare services, medical missions, and values-formation campaigns across 11 communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region, benefiting 749 individuals. The initiative demonstrated how empowerment-based management fosters sustainable, community-driven healthcare solutions aligned with BCU’s core values of truth, equity, justice, and freedom. Dr. Casi presented on behalf of her team, which includes Allan P. Guinanghan, Arlene A. Mintas, Ailen L. Rafael, Hilario A. Sanglay, and Emerson C. Soriano.
Innovative Funding and Sourcing for University Excellence (I.F.U.S.E.) Program
Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director of the Research and Development Center, co-presented with Marketing Officer Sir Karl Matthieu B. Rillera on Project I.F.U.S.E. (Innovative Funding and Sourcing for University Excellence) during the Category B2: Empowerment-Based Management & Category B5: Funding for Sustainability session. The project, which ranked 47th worldwide in the WURI 2025 rankings for Funding for Sustainability, demonstrates BCU’s strategic approach to financial resilience through diversified funding streams and community partnerships. Project I.F.U.S.E. has generated measurable outcomes including increased institutional funding, improved student and faculty development opportunities, and strengthened collaborations with local government and industry sectors. The initiative’s success has positioned BCU as a model of sustainable and inclusive education in the Philippines, with ongoing institutionalization efforts transforming the university into a community-responsive institution capable of navigating contemporary higher education funding challenges. The two presenters spoke on behalf of their team, which includes Oscar D. Rillera, Amalia F. Ancheta, Cherrie Mae M. Manuel, Marga L. Taganas, and Beca May P. Palitayan.
Project P.E.A.C.E. – Promoting Excellence in Arts and Cultural Education
BCU also presented Project P.E.A.C.E. (Promoting Excellence in Arts and Cultural Education): Fostering Peace Through Creative Expressions under Category B4: Culture and Values. This transformative initiative demonstrates how arts and cultural education serve as cornerstones for peace, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. Aligned with BCU’s core values of Veritas (Truth), Equitas (Equity), Libertad (Freedom), and Justitia (Justice), and celebrating Baguio City’s UNESCO Creative City designation in Crafts and Folk Arts, Project P.E.A.C.E. enhances knowledge and skills in performing and visual arts while raising awareness of heritage protection. The initiative empowers stakeholders to express their truths creatively while ensuring equitable access to quality arts education, solidifying BCU’s role as a leader in promoting a culture of peace through arts and cultural education in a globally recognized Creative City. Dr. Kupang presented on Culture and Values on behalf of her team from BCU, which includes Dr. Elma D. Donaal, Dr. Edna P. Culbongan, Ms. Monica P. Ignacio, Dr. Josephine Aguirre, Mr. Osmundo R. Lictawa, Dr. Lillian Pagulongan, Dr. Michelle Alumno, Mr. Jomard L. Calamba, and Dr. Lyha Fias-ilon
Kupang Presents Research on Creating Ethical Guidelines and a Responsible AI Integration Framework
The featured presenters were Dr. Marycon Delos Reyes, Director, Mapua Malayan Colleges, Mindanao, Ms. Kimberlyn M. Valdez, Program Coordinator, CCDC, Dr. Abigail Ocay, Dean, CLASS, KSU, Ms. Amilyne K. Hambali, Pharmacist, SSC, and Dr. Lolita Velita, University Director for Technology Business Incubation, Cebu Technological University. Some delegates were Dr. Corazon L. Ocden, Research & External Quality Assurance Director, CCDC, Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, Northwestern University President, Dr. Marianne P. Villaruel, Director, External Linkages and International Affairs of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos, Vice President for Administration and Planning, Wesleyan University, among others.
BCU’S Dean And IRO Kupang Elected Secretary of the World University Network of Innovation-Leaders.
In a milestone, Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, BCU’s Dean of Graduate School and International Relations Officer, was elected Secretary of the World University Network of Innovation for Leaders (WUNI-L) for the 2025-2026 term. This election places a Philippine CAR university administrator among international leaders chosen to advance university innovation, representing an achievement for BCU’s global engagement.
With Deep Appreciation to BCU Leadership
The BCU delegates (Kupang, Casi, Sebullen, Rillera) express their profound and overwhelming gratitude to Board of Trustees Chair and University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, Board of Trustees Secretary and Treasurer Mr. Oscar D. Rillera, MBA, and the generous Rillera Family for making this historic opportunity possible through exceptional support and visionary leadership. The delegation extends deepest appreciation to Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elma D. Donaal and Vice President for Finance and University Accountant Ms. Amalia F. Ancheta, CPA, whose unwavering commitment and wholehearted encouragement enabled this transformative Busan cultural and educational experience.
Your trust in our delegation, your investment in BCU’s global engagement, and your dedication to academic excellence have opened opportunities for our institution. This meaningful journey—where we presented our winning cases and research internationally, moderated global sessions, and secured leadership position—reflects not just our achievements but your faith in BCU’s potential. We are deeply honored, profoundly grateful, and forever indebted to you for this educational experience.
Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong walang kapantay na suporta at tiwala.
Photo credits: Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Dr. Corazon L. Ocden, and Dr. Marianne Villaruel
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