In a significant stride toward advancing the internationalization initiatives of HEIs in the region, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) spearheaded the Opportunities for Regional Bridging of Initiatives through Internationalization (ORBIT) 2025 on August 18–20, 2025.
Inspired by the theme, “One ASEAN, One Future: Linking Academia, Industry, and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, CBSUA kicked off the opening activity during the University’s flag raising ceremony. The ORBIT was conducted in line with ASEAN’s 58th anniversary celebration. Donned in ASEAN-inspired attire, university officials led by the President, Dr. Alberto Naperi, together with faculty, non-teaching staff, and students, joined the opening program. The highlight of the day’s activity was the launch of booths, which featured various innovations, agricultural produce, and indigenous crafts of CBSUA’s community partners, for three days.
On the third day of ORBIT 2025, CBSUA hosted the Bicol-Taiwan Academic Linkages Forum and MOU Signing. Gracing with his presence as the event’s guest of honor was Dr. Demetrio P. Anguyan, Jr., the Regional Director of CHED Regional. In his message, he recalled the history of strong ties between the Philippines and Taiwan even before the Spanish colonization. He emphasized how this age-old relationship translates to the present connections being forged in the field of education.
Taiwan partners hail from Chienkuo Technology University with Mr. Sung Chung Lin, Dean of Office of International Affairs; Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology with its President, Mr. Nen-Fu Huang; and Phil-Taiwan Cooperation with Mr. Ying Jye Huang and Mr. Cheng Mao-Tseng. To formally seal the partnership between the Taiwan institutions and CBSUA, with the other SUCs, LUCs, and private HEIs from the region, a Memorandum of Understanding ceremony was conducted.
Through ORBIT 2025, CBSUA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international collaboration, strengthening academic linkages, and promoting innovation-driven partnerships. By bridging regional and global initiatives, the University continues to pave the way for more opportunities that empower SUCs, LUCs, and private HEIs in advancing global quality education.
