SMU forges alliance with CHED for Internationalization Convergence
Saint Mary’s University joined six higher educational institutions in Region 2 in signing a partnership agreement with the Commission on Higher Education R2 for internationalization convergence at Mallig Plains Colleges, Inc. on May 19, 2025.ย
The signing is a manifestation of the Commission’s recognition of the critical role of internationalization in the delivery of quality education and in ensuring that education programs and services in the Philippines are on par with global standards. CHEDRO2 Director Dr. Julieta M. Paras, Ed.D, CESO III, led the Commission during the MOA signing, together with the other education specialists and staff of CHEDRO2.ย
SMU was represented by Dr. Moises Alexander Asuncion T. Asuncion, VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Clara Gonzales, head of the Promotions, External Relations, and Internationalization Office.ย
Aside from SMU, six other HEIs signed similar agreements, namely Cagayan State University, Isabela State University, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya State University, University of Cagayan Valley, Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines โ International School of Asia and the Pacific.ย
The main objective of the internationalization convergence is to enable HEIs in Region 2 in international rankings such as the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, QS Rankings, UI GreenMetric, and AppliedHE. The seven universities, including SMU, were identified by the Commission as trailblazers in internationalization, as evidenced by their achievements in different global rankings. Part of the agreement is the commitment of these universities to lead other R2 HEIs in having their programs and services ranked and assessed by international ranking bodies.ย
In her inspirational message, Dr. Paras emphasized the significance of internationalization as a metric in gauging whether an HEI’s programs and services are of global standards. “When we engage globally, we do not lose who we are, but we become better at who we are,” she said. She added that ranking is not the goal but a roadmap for HEIs to deliver education with impact continually.ย
The signing was part of CHED’s capacity-building activity, Building Resilience and Innovation in Developing Global Engagement (BRIDGE): Mapping of University Rankings Methodologies, Scoping Internationalization Gaps, and Forging Strategic Partnerships.ย
Written by: Dr. Clara Gonzales, Head, PERIO
Photo by: ย PERIO
