Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), in partnership with Fundación Hakuna, a Spain-based organization of young professionals, conducted a Design-Thinking Seminar at the university gymnasium on August 12.

The event, attended by over 900 students and faculty members from the School of Teacher Education (STED), aimed to provide participants with insights into design-thinking approaches while promoting international understanding and goodwill.

The seminar explored the core principles of Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. It also featured presentations of outputs, with students engaging in interactive discussions with Fundación Hakuna facilitators. Ten members of the Spanish group led the series of discussions.

Fundación Hakuna is a Spanish nonprofit dedicated to advancing cultural exchange and providing humanitarian aid, particularly in underserved communities. The organization partners with local groups worldwide to empower marginalized populations through education, community development, and cultural immersion. 

The seminar was part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BiPSU and Fundación Hakuna, aimed at fostering international understanding and goodwill between the two institutions.

As outlined in the MOU, the collaboration will focus on various initiatives, including the exchange of students, faculty, and researchers; sharing academic information and publications; engaging in joint research activities; and participating in cultural and community immersion projects.

Meanwhile, Ms. Gil Irinco, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in Filipino (BSEd-Filipino) student, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to learn new skills and apply them to real-world challenges.

“I believe that Design Thinking is a valuable skill set that can empower us students to become innovative leaders and problem-solvers,” Ms. Irinco said in an interview.

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