As higher education continues to evolve in an increasingly interconnected world, academic institutions are challenged to move beyond conventional teaching practices and embrace global perspectives that foster innovation, collaboration, and international competitiveness. Responding to this call, the Internationalization and External Linkages Office of Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, under the leadership of Director Dr. Arneda Jean Gonzales, spearheaded a Capacity Building activity titled “Reorienting Academic Practice Toward Internationalization: Strategies, Models, and Institutional Integration” on March 31, 2026 via Zoom.
The virtual learning engagement gathered faculty members from across the programs to deepen their understanding of internationalization in higher education and to strengthen institutional readiness for globally responsive academic practices.
Serving as resource speakers were Mr. Jay-Ar Ahon, Ms. Lesele Condeza, and Dr. Evelyn Ecle from Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI, who shared valuable insights on strategies and models for integrating internationalization into instruction, research, extension, and institutional operations. The discussions emphasized the importance of cultivating globally competitive graduates, expanding international collaborations, and embedding international perspectives into academic programs and institutional policies.
The activity also highlighted the significance of aligning local academic practices with global standards while maintaining the institution’s commitment to quality education, sustainable development, and community relevance. Faculty participants actively engaged in the discussions, reflecting SPAMAST’s continuing commitment to innovation, excellence, and international academic engagement.
Through this initiative, the Internationalization and External Linkages Office and Academic Units reaffirmed its dedication to advancing SPAMAST’s internationalization agenda and strengthening the institution’s role in the global academic community.
This undertaking contributes to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and globally relevant learning opportunities for educators, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaborative engagements with external agencies and education stakeholders that support institutional growth and international cooperation.
