The Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) internationalization agenda and the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship, CHED Regional Office III (CHEDRO III), together with the Central Luzon Association of International Relations Officers (CLAIRO) and the Graduate Education Association of Public Higher Education Institutions (GEAPHEI), convened academic leaders for ASEAN LINKAGES 2026: Linking International Networks and Knowledge Avenues for Graduate Education Synergies at Bulacan State University last September 30, 2026.

Dr. Alona T. Badua, Dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Dr. Ella Joy A. Ponce, Chief of Engagement and Collaboration Division represented Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office served as two of only six panels during the session titled “Graduate Global Connect: Sharing Pathways to Internationalizing Graduate Education”. Along with the CLSU delegation was Dr. Sharina Carla S. Merculio, Secretary of the Institute of Graduate Studies.

The event aims to strengthen the internationalization of graduate education among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Central Luzon and to provide a platform for institutions to share experiences, showcase successful practices, and exchange information on available opportunities for international engagement.

The delegation’s active participation underscored CLSU’s proactive stance in forging sustainable international linkages, enhancing curriculum relevance to meet global standards, and preparing graduate students to become globally competitive scholars and professionals.