FEU hosts CHED NCR ranking, internationalization workshop

Far Eastern University (FEU) hosted the Commission on Higher Education National Capital Region’s (CHED NCR) “aRANKada FLAIR” last August 27 and 28 at the University Conference Center.

Advancing International Rankings and Notable Knowledge Across Diverse Internationalization Achievements for Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation or “aRANKada” gathered 29 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across NCR including Romblon State University (RSU) for a strategic capacity building workshop in their internationalization efforts.

The two-day event focused on the ACHIEVE Framework of CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis particularly on the Expanded and Impact Driven Internationalization Ranking Strategies.

Former CHED NCR Regional Director Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes and CHED International Affairs Services Director-in-Charge, Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, were welcomed by FEU President Juan Miguel R. Montinola. In his welcoming remarks, President Montinola highlighted that the internationalization aspiration is not of a singular effort, adding that the fulfillment of the mission is the first step towards being recognized in international rankings.

Dr. Catanes presented to the 75 HEI representatives the ACHIEVE Framework and emphasized on the expanded and impact-driven internationalization strategies as a priority of NCR.

“The [NCR] is expected to lead in shaping [HEIs to be] globally connected, innovative, relevant, and inclusive.” said Dr. Catanes. He also acknowledged RSU as a leader in the World University Rankings and Innovations and how HEIs can learn from its example.

Atty. Milla said ranking is not the main goal but looking at the own institutions’ strengths and how these fit to the bigger global context. She emphasized that “through rankings, we allow ourselves to immerse [in] the global trends.”

The rest of the two-day workshop revolved on collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange from Dr. Dante Silva of Mapua University and Dr. Percival Almoro of the University of the Philippines. Together with RSU, they shared how their governance framework with the focus of creating innovation in every unit has improved and worked towards creating excellence in service.

Breakout sessions on QS ranking by University of Santo Tomas and The Impact Ranking from Universidad de Manila further reflected on the collaborative effort in internationalization strategies.

The CHED NCR aRANKada FLAIR ended with a closing remark from FEU Vice President for Student Development and Continuing Education, Dr. Joeven Castro, who said FEU continuously supports endeavours of CHED on the quest to be globally recognized. He added that rankings and internationalization efforts reflect HEI competitiveness on a global scale. “Its depth and understanding of social issues reflected through its community extension activities also creates a stronger voice for the Global South,” said VP Castro.