Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. and other two BiPSU officials participated at the 30th China International Education Exhibition Tour (CIEET) and the 21st China Study Abroad Forum (CSAF 2025) held in Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, after being invited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 

BiPSU is one of only 17 Philippine universities selected to participate in this international academic gathering, sending two separate delegations to the event.

Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development (CIFD), represented BiPSU in the first wave of delegates, attending the forum from April 8–13. Meanwhile, the second delegation was participated by Dr. Canezo and Dr. Maribel Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education Naval Campus on April 19–23. 

With the theme “Quality, Trust, Safety: For the Sustainable Development of International Education,” the CSAF 2025 focuses on building a strong, sustainable, and secure international education environment. Moreover, the CIEET offers Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) a platform to promote the country’s educational offerings, explore potential partnerships, and engage with global academic stakeholders.

Along with BiPSU, other universities participated include Mariano Marcos State University, Romblon State University, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Davao Oriental State University, Rizal Technological University, Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri- Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Southern Philippines, Davao del Sur State College, Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Bataan Peninsula State University, Isabel State University, and  Marikina Polytechnic College. 

Strengthening International Collaboration

On April 10, BiPSU and 11 other Philippine universities formalized a partnership during a ceremony held at Zhongguancun Software Park in Dongbeiwang, Haidian District, Beijing. This partnership aims to strengthen capacity building particularly in areas such as micro-credentialing, job shadowing, student and faculty exchange programs.

The Philippine delegation included representatives from BiPSU, Davao Oriental State University, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Rizal Technological University, Mabalacat City College, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna (UPHSL), and Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was countersigned by Dr. Calles on behalf of BiPSU, and witnessed by CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and May- i L. Fabros, third secretary and vice consul of the Philippine Embassy to the Peoples and Republic of China.

Under the five-year agreement, participating universities commit to dedicating resources and support for the program’s success, with key representatives overseeing activities, ensuring effective communication among all parties, and upholding quality standards to monitor impact and outcomes.

Dr. Calles described the experience as a valuable return on international engagement efforts. “The return of travel investment, as I may say, lies in the meaningful partnerships we’ve established with the 12 participating universities,” Dr. Calles said. 

She added that attending CIEET 2025 and CSAF 2025  highlighted the  importance of seeking international partners whose values align with BiPSU’s goals.

“This experience has shown the great value of building global linkages aligned with our strategic internationalization plan,” Dr. Calles noted. 

The CIFD Director also confirmed that a letter of cooperation was signed on behalf of BiPSU with Jiaxing University, represented by Dr. Pan Weiwei, director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Department. Dr. Calles emphasized that this initial agreement sets the stage for partnership between the two institutions, particularly in the areas of faculty and student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cultural exchange programs.

“The insights gained from this global platform reaffirm our vision—‘Weaving BiPSU with the World, and the World with BiPSU.’ This vision is not just a goal, but a necessary path toward developing globally competent graduates through an industry-responsive curriculum and internationally engaged faculty.”

Dr. Calles also attended sessions at the China Convention Center from April 11–12, participating in discussions on international education trends, including the “Values and Trends of International Education in the Era of Digital Intelligence.” She also visited the China Agricultural University and exhibitions from various Chinese universities during her final day in Beijing.

Continuing Global Engagement

Meanwhile, BiPSU’s second delegation, led by Dr. Canezo and Dr. Zipagan, participated in the event from April 19–23. Upon arriving in Guangzhou, the officials attended the China International Education Exhibition (CIEET) at the Dong Fang Hotel. 

Following the exhibition, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas of the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, accompanied by CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi.

Additionally, they visited Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, a provincial forestry vocational and technical school that has been serving the Guangzhou community for 57 years. 

The college offers programs in engineering, economics, management, agriculture, and various vocational fields. During the said visit, BiPSU explored potential partnerships particularly in the areas of engineering and agriculture.

They also toured Guangzhou City Polytechnic, where delegates engaged in discussions on potential collaborations in fields such as engineering, agriculture, and technology. During the visit, BiPSU and other delegates explored opportunities for academic exchanges, research partnerships, and the development of joint programs to enhance respective institutions' offerings and global cooperation. 

The former Internationalization Affairs Director, now dean of the STED, Dr. Zipagan shared her reflections following the visit: "Our university remains dedicated to strengthening global partnerships. These collaborations allow us to harness diverse perspectives and innovations, enriching our academic programs,strengthening student development, and supporting faculty growth,” she said. 

“I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to contribute to our university's inspiring vision," added Dr. Zipagan. 

In a statement, Dr. Canezo also expressed his gratitude to CHED for including BiPSU in the list of participants. 

“Being invited and able to participate in this important event is truly a WoW for BiPSU,” the university president said. “This gave us a chance to widen our international partnerships and opened up global opportunities for our students and faculty,” he added. 

The BiPSU and PASUC 8 president exhibited pride in representing the Philippines at the international event. "This engagement allowed us to connect with other universities and explore potential collaborations," Dr. Canezo stated. "As the PASUC President in Eastern Visayas, I am eager to share the insights gained from this experience with universities in the region, so we can collectively grow and enhance our international initiatives."

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