In the spirit of “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) strengthened its engagement with fellow higher education institutions and education stakeholders during ASEAN Connect 2026, held on August 25, at Lujo Bar and Restaurant in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office II (CHEDRO2) in partnership with Cagayan State University (CSU), the gathering formed part of the ASEAN Philippines 2026 celebration and focused on strengthening regional cooperation, advancing quality assurance, and creating opportunities for deeper institutional and global engagement. These efforts reflected the growing importance of collaboration in fostering innovation, academic excellence, and a more connected higher education landscape.
Representing USLT were Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., University President; Luisa B. Aquino, Ed.D., Vice President for Academics; and Anjanette F. Batulan, Ph.D., Glocal Partnerships and Engagement Director.
A key highlight of the gathering was the keynote address, “Advancing ASEAN Higher Education Through Quality Assurance, Internationalization, and Academic Excellence,” delivered by Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV and Director-in-Charge of the CHED International Affairs Service. Her presentation underscored the importance of quality assurance, internationalization, and academic excellence in positioning Philippine higher education institutions within the broader ASEAN community.
For USLT, the event also marked a significant step in expanding its institutional network through the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the implementation of the Building Resilience and Innovation in Developing Global Engagements (BRIDGE) Initiative and the “Adopt an Institution” Framework for Internationalization.
Under the framework, USLT adopted five partner institutions: Our Lady of the Pillar College, San Manuel; University of Perpetual Help System Laguna–Isabela Campus; Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College; La Patria College; and Lyceum of Aparri. The initiative opens opportunities for participating institutions to work together in strengthening international engagement, sharing institutional expertise, developing collaborative initiatives, and building greater resilience and innovation in the face of an increasingly interconnected educational landscape.
The program further featured discussions on quality assurance and its role in strengthening higher education institutions. Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, University Legal Consultant of Cagayan State University, discussed “Understanding ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA): Framework, Principles, and Regional Relevance,” providing participants with insights into the regional quality assurance framework and its significance in advancing institutional quality and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Ms. Pearl Via S. Coballes, RGC, RPm, Director of the Human Resource Development Office of Saint Mary’s University, presented “AUN-QA Membership and Its Benefits in the Quality Assurance of Higher Education,” highlighting the value of quality assurance networks and membership in supporting continuous institutional improvement.
USLT’s participation in ASEAN Connect 2026 reflects its commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through its efforts to promote quality assurance, academic excellence, institutional development, and meaningful collaboration in education. The university’s engagement also aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it continues to build and strengthen partnerships that foster shared learning, collaboration, and sustainable institutional development.
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