Lingayen – The province of Pangasinan will play host to the first International Academic Summit, a convergence of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Southeast Asia and other Asian countries, on May 15-16 at the Sison Auditorium, here.
The international academic exchange which seeks to transform HEIs into “global educational institutions” is organized by the International Affairs Office of the Pangasinan State University in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Minister of Education Organization (SEAMEO) INNOTECH and the provincial government of Pangasinan.
Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. has expressed full-support to the pilot hosting of the international academic exchange in the province, as he adheres to the significant role of education being “the greatest equalizer of life.” The Governor is expected to deliver a message during the academic summit’s opening ceremonies on May 15 at the Sison Auditorium.
“The summit convenes representatives from HEIs of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries for a comprehensive academic discussion and sharing of best practices in education – these are necessary in setting standards for educational institutions in the region,” Dr. Sally Jarin, PSU Director for International Affairs, said.
The summit also seeks to become a venue to benchmark the current initiatives of the HEIs on the implementation of academic programs through fostering collaboration and partnership for “global education through internalization” Jarin said.
In a letter sent to Gov. Espino, the PSU administration cited the event as “a way to further bolster tourism in Pangasinan, serving as an avenue for neighboring countries to experience the hospitality and warmth of Pangasinenses which will hopefully give them reasons to come back in the province for business and recreational activities.”
The PSU Director for International Affairs was happy to note that the foreign visitors are very excited to see the Sison Auditorium, Provincial Capitol building and Urduja House , which according to her, put them in awe while browsing on the photos of the renovated buildings in the internet.
Jarin said an international organization of university directors for international affairs and linkages will be formed during the summit to strengthen ties and partnership on academic and cultural exchange among international HEIs.
A cultural exchange will likewise take place with the Cultural Fiesta of the Governor’s Night on May 15 at the Sison Auditorium.
Provincial Tourism Officer Malou Elduayan said the cultural fiesta will feature the cultural heritage and artistry of Pangasinan through a series of folk dance, song and stringed instruments ensemble (Rondalla) presentations by the Danggoan Pangasinan Cultural Dance Troupe, Pangasinan Provincial Chorale and some performing arts groups of some campuses of PSU.
The Culture and Arts Group of Phranakhon Rajahbat University as well as delegates from other universities have also prepared intermission numbers highlighting their distinct cultures and traditions.
Plenary sessions on “Best Practices on International Affairs and Linkages” will be led by speakers from the Research and Studies Unit of SEAMEO, Phranakhon Rajabhat University – Center for Education (Thailand), National Pingtung University of Science and Technology – Center for Agricultural Extension (Taiwan), Maejo University – Center for Agriculture (Thailand), Soka University – Center for Humanistic Education (Japan) and Pangasinan State University – Center for Development in Teacher Education.
Delegates from Tanza University in Nigeria and a university in India have also confirmed participation. The organizers are expecting about 200 delegates -- university officials, university directors for international linkages, professors and academicians and students from the participating HEIs.
The participants, according to Jarin, will pay courtesy call to the Governor on May 13 in the afternoon and will later be toured around the Capitol Plaza. A tour to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City courtesy of the Provincial Tourism Office is also scheduled on the second day of the summit (May 16).
/MGNO
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