The CHED International Affairs Service conducted the Erasmus+ Caravan – Luzon Leg and collaborated with the CHED Regional Office I to host the event at The Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan on October 22, 2025.
This annual caravan serves as an avenue to deepen cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union through academic exchange, mobility programs, and institutional linkages.
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of CHED Regional Office 1, welcomed the guests and participants and emphasized the vital role of international education in nurturing future-ready Filipino graduates.
“The future of our HEIs truly hinges on how far we can expand our global footprint, how strategically we can establish sustainable transnational linkages, and how effectively we can integrate world-class practices into our local academic landscape.”
Ms. Mabel Gutierrez, Auxiliary ENFP and Officer-in-Charge of the Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED-IAS, presented the topic “Role of ENFP and CHED Erasmus+ Initiatives.”
She explained how CHED’s International Affairs Service functions as a bridge connecting Filipino scholars and HEIs to global learning opportunities and shared updates on ongoing internationalization projects, collaborative programs, and Erasmus+ initiatives that strengthen academic partnerships between Philippine institutions and European universities.
Representing the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, Ms. Thelma Gecolea, Public Affairs Officer, delivered an insightful presentation on the “Introduction to Erasmus+ and PH-EU Higher Education Cooperation.”
She provided an overview of the EU’s long-standing commitment to supporting higher education and cross-cultural learning among Filipinos and discussed how Erasmus+ has evolved into one of the most recognized international academic exchange programs, enabling thousands of students worldwide to gain access to quality education, mobility experiences, and intercultural skills.
Prof. Rolando Roncal Jr. from the College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus shared his experiences in International Credit Mobility as he discussed how student and faculty exchanges under the Erasmus+ program have enriched the academic environment at DMMMSU and expanded the horizons of both learners and educators.
He also detailed the process of applying for mobility grants, the benefits of exposure to different teaching methodologies, and the importance of building global connections.
Mr. Nicky C. Cardenas, Chief of Partnership and Linkages at Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa and Erasmus Mundus Association Country Representative for the Philippines, discussed the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program. He elaborated on the application process, eligibility criteria, and the life-changing opportunities it offers for Filipino graduates.
He shared his own experiences as an EMJMD scholar, reflecting on how studying in Europe not only provided academic advancement but also broadened his cultural and professional perspectives.
Dr. Stephenie Busbus, Director of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs at Saint Louis University, delivered a session on Capacity Building in Higher Education wherein she explained how these programs support institutional development, curriculum innovation, and joint research between Philippine and European universities.
Dr. Busbus shared ANTENA Project that improved the quality of education, enhanced faculty competencies, and promoted research collaboration.
An open forum followed, wherein participants interacted with the speakers. Students and faculty representatives raised questions about scholarship requirements, institutional collaborations, and strategies for increasing international mobility participation.
The program concluded with Dr. MD Ashiqur Rahman, Regional Project Manager for Asia of the Centralised Support to the Network of Erasmus+ National Focal Points, who delivered the closing remarks. He expressed gratitude to CHED and the EU Delegation for their strong partnership in advancing international education in the Philippines.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and shared that the Erasmus+ network remains committed to supporting Filipino scholars, universities, and policymakers in their internationalization journey.
“The exchange of ideas created an atmosphere of curiosity and inspiration, reinforcing the event’s purpose: to empower Filipinos to dream bigger, explore global opportunities, and bring back knowledge that strengthens the nation’s higher education system,” said Dr. Al Gerald Barde, Education Supervisor II and CHED ROI Focal for Internationalization, when asked about his impressions on the event.