FLAIR-UPLIFT Part III CHED-CAR’s Gawad Parangal sa Pandaigdigan Kahusayan
The Upscaling Programs and Projects, Leveraging Internationalization and Futures Thinking (UPLIFT) Masterclass 2025 is a key initiative led by CHED-CAR in collaboration with Saint Louis University and the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers. During this prestigious event, Baguio Central University (BCU) was recognized for its significant strides in internationalization, a distinction that included its ranking among the top 400 universities worldwide in the World University Rankings for Innovation. BCU’s International Relations Officer, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, accepted the award on behalf of University President Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera. Dr. Kupang was joined by the dedicated BCU team of administrators and faculty: Dr. Jocelyn B. Ang (Dean, CHTM), Ms. Agustina P. Balanban, MAAS (Principal of the Grade School Department), Dr. Jennifer T. Longchasen (Graduate School Extension Coordinator), Dr. Michael De Roxas (Graduate School Faculty), and Dr. Lyha Fias-ilon (Interim Research Ethics Committee Member).
The Masterclass served as a crucial platform for knowledge transfer, where Baguio Central University (BCU) delegates gained deep perspectives from CARHEIs recognized in the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings, WURI, and QS. These highly-ranked institutions offered transparent strategies and practical tips on optimizing their global reporting and evidence submission—a key accelerator for BCU as it continues to advance its internationalization agenda. The overwhelming positive energy and drive shared by peer HEIs ignited a renewed commitment among the BCU team, who left the event motivated to replicate these successes and elevate the university’s global standing. The two-day program concluded on a high note with words of appreciation from Atty. Freida C. Macabangun-Mila, Director IV, IAS, and the final remarks delivered by Dr. Ma. Geraldine F. Casipit, CEPS, CHED-CAR, followed by a celebratory dinner.
CHED-CAR’s recognition of all CAR higher education institutions in their internationalization efforts is vital to fostering a culture of excellence and global competitiveness across the region. As emphasized during the UPLIFT Masterclass, internationalization should no longer be an isolated initiative but a cross-cutting, quality assurance network that transforms the Cordillera Administrative Region into the educational center of the North. By acknowledging the diverse internationalization journeys of all CAR-HEIs—from established universities to emerging institutions—CHED-CAR reinforces the principle that every institution, regardless of size or current global standing, has unique strengths and indigenous knowledge systems worthy of global recognition. This inclusive approach ensures that smaller HEIs are not left behind in capacity building and global partnerships, leveling the playing field so that innovations from upland communities and indigenous governance models are included in global conversations about sustainability, quality education, and social impact.
Baguio Central University extends its deepest gratitude to the CHED-CAR leadership, Saint Louis University, and the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO) for organizing the transformative two-day UPLIFT_FLAIR Masterclass 2025 and the inspiring awarding ceremony, “Gawad Parangal sa Pandaigdigan Kahusayan.” This recognition validates the internationalization efforts of CAR-HEIs and also ignites a collective commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement. The masterclass has empowered BCU with renewed strategic direction and has reinforced our institutional resolve to contribute meaningfully to positioning the Cordillera as a hub of academic excellence and indigenous knowledge on the global stage. We carry forward the spirit of this gathering with determination to innovate continuously, strengthen our quality assurance systems, and ensure that our stories and the stories of our communities matter in the broader narrative of Philippine higher education’s internationalization journey.
