By Mikee Natinga Norico
In recognition of her expertise, Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), receives the Certificate of Recognition for sharing CPUĢƵs internationalization initiatives.
On April 7, 2026, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI, in partnership with the University of San Agustin, conducted a one-day re-orientation session titled ĢƵStrengthening Global Pathways: Re-Orientation on CHEDĢƵs Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP) in Advancing the A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda (Private HEIs Cluster)ĢƵ at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.
The activity brought together sixteen higher education institutions (HEIs) across the region, highlighting their commitment and readiness to advance internationalization initiatives aligned with CHEDĢƵs Strategic Internationalization Plan and the A.C.H.I.E.V.E Agenda, which promotes inclusive, impact-driven, and globally responsive higher education.
Among the key resource speakers was Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Director of the ĢƵ (CPU) Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), who shared CPUĢƵs experiences and best practices in crafting and implementing its Strategic Internationalization Plan. Her presentation underscored CPUĢƵs continuing efforts to strengthen global linkages, expand academic partnerships, and enhance opportunities for student and faculty mobility.
Asst. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice (1st from left), Director of the Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), delivers her presentation on CPUĢƵs internationalization initiatives during the CHED RO VI re-orientation session held at the University of San Agustin.
Other International Relations Officers (IROs) who shared their institutionsĢƵ internationalization journeys included Mr. John Paul P. Mondejar of the University of San Agustin, Dr. Mary Jane F. Tormon of Filamer Christian University, and Dr. Virmari S. Tan and Mr. Aldin L. Turija of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, alongside Asst. Prof. Dignadice of CPU.
The activity also marked the first gathering of International Relations Officers in the region for the year, with ĢƵ (CPU) actively participating through its Local and International Linkages and Affiliation Center (LILAC), reinforcing CHEDĢƵs continuing efforts to promote a more inclusive, collaborative, and globally engaged Philippine higher education system.