A new chapter in internationalization for Western Visayas’ higher education institutions unfolded as Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka of the International and Local Linkages Office, West Visayas State University (WVSU) was elected President of the Region VI International Relations Officers (IRO) Council during the event “Activating Linkages: International Relations Officers Convergence” held at the Research and Extension Hub of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) in Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo on May 27, 2025.
The event gathered International Relations Officers from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region VI to align their Internationalization (IZN) efforts with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) IZN Pillars, which focus on building global partnerships, international mobility, and academic excellence through international engagement.
Twelve HEIs, including WVSU, presented their 2025 IZN initiatives, showcasing their strategies for global collaboration, faculty and student exchange, and cross-border academic linkages.
In her presentation, Director Edel highlighted WVSU’s ongoing and upcoming IZN programs, including active linkages with international universities, faculty mobility projects, and research collaborations aimed at fostering global competencies.
The convergence also marked the formal establishment of the Region VI IRO Council, culminating in the election of its first set of officers. As newly elected president, Director Edel is expected to lead the council in strengthening regional cooperation, sharing best practices, and creating joint initiatives to elevate the international profile of Region VI’s academic institutions.
The event was held in celebration of CHED’s 31st Anniversary and 5th Higher Education Day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to promoting global standards and innovation in Philippine higher education.
With the formation of the Region VI IRO Council, and under Director Edel’s leadership, Western Visayas is poised to build stronger international linkages, support capacity-building among IROs, and promote a more globally engaged academic community.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
