Two administrators from Saint Mary’s University (SMU) have been recognized with the Internationalization Resource Excellence Award by the Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office II (CHED RO II) for their outstanding service as resource speakers in various CHED-led capacity-building initiatives.

The awardees—University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina and Internationalization Office Head Dr. Clara Gonzales—were honored for their expertise, leadership, and impactful contributions that have helped advance internationalization efforts among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region II. Their involvement has strengthened CHED’s regional initiatives aimed at enhancing global engagement, academic mobility, and institutional development.

The recognition was formally conferred on December 9, 2025, during the Regional Executive Conference, Engagement and Collaboration (REConEC) held at the St. Paul University Global Center Function Hall in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Representing SMU at the ceremony were Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Ms. Eufrecia Lucas, staff of the Office of the Vice President for Mission and Identity.

This achievement highlights SMU’s continuing commitment to supporting regional and national internationalization initiatives and reinforcing its role as a leader in global academic engagement.

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Written by: Eufrecia C. Lucas
Staff, In Charge of Scholarships