In a move that exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, BCU’s internationalization representative, participated in the induction ceremony of the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO) on April 23, 2024. Held at Saint Louis University (SLU) during their Internationalization Week, the ceremony marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
CAIRO aims to strengthen partnerships between HEIs in CAR to develop and implement programs that enhance the international standing of all member institutions. This collaborative approach creates a wealth of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff across CAR, ultimately fostering a more globally connected and competitive higher education landscape in the region. The newly inducted officers of the 2024 CAIRO are the following: President: Mary Grace P. Carrido (SLU); Vice President: Melanie Rulla-Saro (University of Baguio); Secretary: Christian T. Pascual (University of the Cordilleras); Treasurer: Jeng Jeng M. Bolintao (Ifugao State University); Business Manager: Karen B. Cue (Mountain Province State Polytechnic College); PIO: Patrick A. Benedito (Abra State Institute of Science and Technology).
Dr. Kupang Inducted as Member of the Board of Directors
The newly inducted officers of the 2024 CAIRO: President: Mary Grace P. Carrido (SLU); Vice President: Melanie Rulla-Saro (University of Baguio); Secretary: Christian T. Pascual (University of the Cordilleras); Treasurer: Jeng Jeng M. Bolintao (Ifugao State University); Business Manager: Karen B. Cue (Mountain Province State Polytechnic College); PIO: Patrick A. Benedito (Abra State Institute of Science and Technology). Members of the Board of Directors: Philip Constantine L. Mandac (Director of International Affairs and Linkages, Apayao State College; Genevieve Balance Kupang, PhD (Dean of Graduate School & Representative for Internationalization, Baguio Central University); Rex John G. Bawang, PhD (Director of the International Relations Office, Benguet State University); Corazon L. Ocden,
PhD (Director of the Research and External Quality Assurance, Cordillera Career Development College); Dr. Cleofe P. Kollin (President of Easter College); Clyde B. Pumihic (International Relations Officer of the International Affairs and Linkages Office, Ifugao State University); Pinky Larcelle L. Gas-ib, PhD (Director of the Distance Education, Transnational Education, and International Linkages Kalinga State University); Steve A. Solano (Director of Internal Quality Assurance King’s College of the Philippines); Romnick A. Danao (Director, St. Louis College of Bulanao); Pearl Angeli F. Vicente (Quality Assurance Officer, Pines City College; Dr. Annabelle Maria Alasas (VPAA and Director of International Affairs, Star Colleges), and Quennie L. Rumbaoa (Project Technical Staff III for Internationalization,
CHED-CAR)Photo credit: SLU UIO Intern | Photos by Khryss Arellano and Keen Oviedo, UIO Interns.
Dr. Kupang’s participation in the induction ceremony underscores BCU’s commitment to internationalization and regional collaboration. She was inducted as a member of CAIRO’s Board of Directors, alongside representatives from other HEIs.
The ceremony also featured a lecture by Dr. Dominik Guss, a psychology professor from the University of North Florida, focusing on “Culture and Internationalization.” Dr. Guss defined culture and quoted Hofstede (1997, p. 13), saying, “culture is the software of the mind.” He also quoted Matsumo & Juang (2008, p. 12), who define culture as “a unique meaning and information system, shared by a group and transmitted across generations that allows the group to meet basic needs of survival, pursue happiness and well-being, and derive meaning in life.” Dr. Guss expounded on culture shock and cross-cultural adjustment, the stages of cultural adaptation, and the benefits of internationalization, both at home and abroad. These benefits include fostering an immersive and inclusive academic development, access to diverse knowledge and perspectives from various parts of the world, offering more learning opportunities, mobility and flexibility, fostering innovation, adaptability, coping and resilience, and promoting a greater understanding and embracing of cultural differences and diverse viewpoints, ultimately leading to cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
Dr. Dominik Guss, a psychology professor from the University of North Florida, gives a lecture on ‘Culture and Internationalization’ while Dr. Mary Grace P. Carrido, CAIRO’s President, and other participants (not in the picture) listen intently.
Charting the Course for Future Collaborations
The event included discussions on finalizing CAIRO’s constitution and bylaws, outlining plans for future international collaborations among member institutions, and a visit to the SLU Museum of Igorot Cultures and Arts. With a strong leadership team headed by SLU’s Dr. Mary Grace P. Carrido as President and representatives from 17 HEIs across CAR, CAIRO is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the region’s internationalization efforts.
This collaborative effort by Cordillera HEIs, championed by CAIRO, has the potential to increase student exchange opportunities and international exposure, enhance faculty development through international research collaborations, attract international funding and resources for educational programs, and position CAR’s HEIs as leaders in specific academic fields on a global stage. By working together, the institutions within CAIRO can create a more vibrant and internationally recognized higher education sector in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
