BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — Saint Mary’s University brought the spirit of Southeast Asian solidarity to life at Pedro Calungsod Hall on August 27, 2026, through its ASEAN Month 2026 Celebration, anchored on the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

The institutional celebration highlighted the importance of ASEAN solidarity, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation while showcasing SMU’s continuing commitment to internationalization and engagement with its ASEAN neighbors.

The program opened with prayers for guidance, followed by the recitation of the Philippine and SMU hymns by the SMU Chorale Society and a vibrant performance by the SMU Dance Troupe, reflecting the diversity and unity of the ASEAN community.

In his welcome remarks, SMU President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina emphasized the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships with ASEAN neighbors and strengthening the spirit of cooperation within the region.

Highlighting SMU’s growing global engagement, Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Internationalization Office, delivered a presentation on the University’s journey toward internationalization. She underscored the role of meaningful partnerships in connecting SMU with institutions and communities beyond its borders, with particular emphasis on strengthening collaboration with ASEAN countries.

Dr. Gonzales highlighted the Internationalization Office’s initiatives in fostering international partnerships, student and faculty mobility, academic collaboration, international learning opportunities, and cross-cultural engagement. She emphasized that while SMU continues to expand its global connections, its engagement with ASEAN remains an important foundation in developing globally minded students and strengthening regional cooperation.

These initiatives contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development. They also advance SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with opportunities for intercultural learning, international exposure, and global competence.

Adding a social and environmental dimension to the celebration, Mr. Armand N. Camhol of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy discussed pressing ecological and social concerns. He encouraged the SMU community to value cultural diversity and recognize the importance of collective action in addressing challenges that transcend national borders, including the climate crisis and the spread of invasive plant species affecting local ecosystems. His discussion reinforced the relevance of SDG 13: Climate Action and the need for shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.

The celebration also featured the “How ASEAN Are You?” Quiz Bee, led by Ms. Rheena Nina S. Salinas, which tested participants’ knowledge of ASEAN countries, cultures, and regional affairs in an engaging and interactive activity. The activity promoted cultural awareness and understanding, supporting the broader goal of inclusive and peaceful communities reflected in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The program concluded with the closing remarks from Dr. Kenneth L. Maslang, Department Head.

The institutional ASEAN Month celebration was organized by the Internationalization Office, in partnership with the Social Sciences and Philosophy Department, in support of the Commission on Higher Education’s call for higher education institutions to actively participate in the 2026 ASEAN Month celebration.

Through the celebration, SMU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its ASEAN connections, promoting intercultural understanding, and preparing its students to become globally minded Filipinos and responsible members of the ASEAN community.

As SMU continues to expand its international partnerships and opportunities, the celebration echoed a central message of its internationalization journey: rooted in the local community, connected to ASEAN, and open to the world.