Beyond Borders: Marians Share Internationalization Journey at CHED Event
Saint Mary’s University students Juan Miguel C. Llacuna (BS Biology 4) and Almyra Joy B. Garcia (BS Tourism Management 4) recently shared their global mobility experiences at the ASEAN Youth Summit, which was organized by the Commission on Higher Education Region 2 at Saint Paul University on Aug. 28-29, 2025. The summit was part of the Internationalization for Rankings Advancement, Integration, Strategic Engagement, and Excellence (iRAISE), which was attended by representatives from the different HEIs in the region. Mr. Llacuna’s international journey began in 2023 in Surabaya, Indonesia, with a two-week summer course on socio-cultural sustainability, where he learned to cook Soto Ayam, played a traditional musical instrument called the Bonang, and created batik art. This was followed by a visit to Belgium as a delegate from SMU for the North Intensive Programme in 2024. There, he represented the Philippines and collaborated with Belgian students to develop a sustainable farming model for Inagro, earning the team the Best Case Study Award for their innovative agroforestry solution. His latest experience was a one-month academic immersion at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) in Thailand in 2025. During this immersion, he collaborated with other Filipino students to study Thai-Chinese medicine, herbal product development, and scientific research. The group formulated herbal products, visited the Toyota Biodiversity and Sustainability Center, and explored Thailand’s rich cultural heritage by visiting landmarks like Wat Arun Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.
Ms. Garcia’s journey into the global academic community began with webinars, including one with the ASEAN University Network and the more interactive CommTech Nusantra 2025 Virtual Exploration of Indonesia. These early experiences led her to a camp focused on ‘Technopreneur Skills for Global Innovators’ in 2025. Initially thinking the topic was far removed from her tourism studies, she quickly realized its relevance. At the camp, she learned to use tools like the LEAN Canvas to develop a prototype for a modern greenhouse that could help farmers with unpredictable weather patterns, a project that addressed SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The project had its challenges, particularly the language barrier within her group, which they overcame with patience and tools like Google Translate, solidifying her belief in the power of collaborative problem-solving. The iRAISE 2025 event brought together key participants from different HEIs in the region. SMU was represented by Dr. Clara Gonzales and Dr. Haydee James. Through the program, the participants were equipped with strategies for world rankings and transnational education, helping them integrate global education into their curricula.
Written by: Almyra Garcia, BSTM 4
