On April 15, 2025, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of West Visayas State University (WVSU), attended the Erasmus+ Information Day for the Philippines 2025 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office in Quezon City.

The session, organized by CHED in collaboration with the European Union (EU), aimed to raise awareness and promote greater participation of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in the Erasmus+ program.

The event gathered International Relations Officers (IROs) from various PHEIs, offering a platform to learn from institutions that have successfully implemented Erasmus+ projects. These institutions shared practical insights and strategies on proposal development, partnership-building, program implementation, and evaluation. Their experiences served as a valuable guide for emerging and aspiring Erasmus+ participants, equipping attendees with real-world knowledge on how to navigate the program and leverage its benefits.

Ms. Edel expressed optimism about WVSU’s future engagements with Erasmus+, highlighting the program’s potential to strengthen global partnerships and enrich academic experiences for both faculty and students. She noted that the session provided not only technical insights but also inspiration to pursue international opportunities that align with WVSU’s vision of academic excellence and internationalization.

“The Erasmus+ programs provide opportunities for us in the academe to maximize our potentials, tap experts, and use our strengths to bring about change, with funding that assists in our efforts”, she said.

Topics discussed during the session included Key Action 1 – Mobility of Individuals, which supports the mobility of students, educators, and staff for international learning and professional experiences. Key Action 2 – Cooperation Among Organizations and Institutions was also highlighted, particularly focusing on Cooperation Partnerships and Alliances for Innovation. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality and relevance of institutional activities, promote joint operations on a transnational level, and strengthen networks that support education and workforce development.

Another key component discussed was the Jean Monnet Actions in the field of higher education. These actions support teaching and research in European Union studies worldwide, and may take the form of Modules, Chairs, or Centres of Excellence. These structures aim to develop expertise in EU-related subjects and foster multidisciplinary collaboration.

The Erasmus+ Information Day for Philippines 2025 marked a significant step in reinforcing the Philippines’ presence in the global academic community, with CHED and the EU working closely to build the capacity of local institutions and empower them to thrive in the international education landscape.

To note, WVSU is a recipient of the Erasmus+ grants for projects like FORTH, FAB, and CALOHEA.