Marian Students Shine at North Intensive Program 2026 in Belgium
Kortrijk, Belgium – From March 23 to April 3, 2026, four Marian students participated in the North Intensive Program 2026, an international initiative hosted by Howest University of Applied Sciences and VIVES University, with support from Global Minds and the Province of West Flanders.
The program brought together students and coaches from the Philippines and Belgium for an intensive two-week immersion focused on sustainable agriculture, climate action, and entrepreneurship. Marian participants Louis Anthony Diaz (BS Forensic Science 3), Shemaiah Josh Misanes (BS Biology 3), Chantel Niki Pajarillo (BS Architecture 2), and Charlize Nika Pajarillo (BS Architecture 1) worked side by side with their Belgian peers, while SMU coaches Dr. Clara Gonzales and Engr. Jefrie Alindayu were assigned teams to guide. They tackled real-world challenges involving duckweed, yakon, spent grain, and smart farming, turning ideas into practical, innovative solutions.
The highlight of the program came when the Duckweed Team, coached by Engr. Alindayu, was named the winning group. Their project impressed the judges with its creativity, sustainability, and potential impact, a testament to the hard work and guidance that shaped the team’s winning pitch.
Beyond the pitches and fieldwork, the Marian students immersed themselves in Europe’s rich culture. They experienced a one-night homestay with Belgian families, sharing meals, stories, and the warmth of local traditions. Their journey included visits to the iconic Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum in Paris, symbolic churches reflecting their Marian identity, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, Saint Michael Church in Kortrijk, CICM House in Turnhout, and Belgium’s historic Beguinages. The students also witnessed the moving Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, explored local dairy farms, and enjoyed the natural beauty of a park in the Netherlands.
While in Europe, the Marian participants also visited Rev. Fr. Gerard Bouchaert, former SMU chaplain, and Rev. Fr. Renillo H. Sta. Ana, former SMU President.
The North Intensive Program 2026 successfully combined rigorous academic learning, cross-cultural collaboration, and memorable cultural experiences. For the Marian students, the program was more than an academic exercise—it was a chance to grow as global citizens, forge international friendships, and bring innovative ideas back home, inspiring future projects in both local and global contexts.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
Written by: Internationalization Office
