University of Luzon Delegation Attends WURI Global Conference, Forging New International Partnership

From September 24 to 26, 2025, a dedicated team of delegates from the University of Luzon (UL), all esteemed members of the institution’s employee body, participated in the highly significant 2025 WURI Global Conference. The conference, hosted by Tongmyong University in the vibrant city of Busan, South Korea, served as a global platform for sharing innovative practices in higher education and institutional impact. The University of Luzon’s presence underscored its commitment to international engagement, academic excellence, and regional contribution.

The participation of the UL delegation was marked by two major achievements. First, the University of Luzon and the host institution, Tongmyong University, formalized their partnership by signing a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This five-year agreement establishes a general framework for academic cooperation, aiming to develop richer and more diverse educational programs. The collaborative objectives outlined in the MOU are comprehensive, encompassing the exchange of students through cultural programs and summer/winter courses, the exchange of faculty and staff, the development of internship or field training programs in both the Philippines and Korea, the creation of joint programs for academic and the Korean Ministry of Education’s RISE (Regional Innovation System for Education) project, and the establishment of language education and training programs. This partnership, driven by the RISE project’s globalization element, is poised to significantly benefit Luzonians by broadening their international academic and professional opportunities.

Second, the UL delegates contributed substantially to the conference’s intellectual discourse through three distinct presentations, highlighting the university’s innovative programs and commitment to sustainability. Dr. Carmelo Vidal, Dean of the Graduate School, presented the initiative titled “PILLARS for Students (Promoting Inclusion, Leadership, Learning, Achievement, Resilience, and Success for Students).” This presentation detailed a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance student support services and foster holistic development, ensuring every Luzonian is equipped to thrive academically and professionally. Furthermore, Dr. Dolores Bustillo, the Human Resource Officer, introduced “Project WOW! (WONDERS of Waste) Water hyacinth for Optimization of Natural resources and Development thru Enviro-purposing of River waste for Sustainability.” Her presentation showcased an innovative, localized approach to environmental resource management, transforming river waste into valuable material. Lastly, Dr. Amalia dela Cruz, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, presented “Project ZERO: Zero-waste Technology for Effective Resource Optimization,” which focused on implementing advanced strategies to eliminate waste and maximize resource efficiency within the university’s operations and the broader community.

The University of Luzon’s participation in the WURI Global Conference was a resounding success, demonstrating the institution’s active role in global academic cooperation and commitment to purposeful innovation. The international collaboration secured through the Memorandum of Understanding with Tongmyong University and the influential research presented by the delegates align the university’s mission with a broad spectrum of critical global objectives. The synergistic efforts contribute significantly across several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The MOU itself is a direct commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), establishing a vital global alliance. Furthermore, its focus on student exchanges, skill development, and internships directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by preparing Luzonians with international competencies for productive employment. Finally, the pioneering research detailed in the presentations—Dr. Bustillo’s Project WOW! and Dr. dela Cruz’s Project ZERO—provide tangible solutions that advance environmental sustainability. These projects are core contributions to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), through their zero-waste and resource optimization strategies, while also supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by targeting river waste management. Their emphasis on transforming waste into valuable resources also showcases vital local innovation, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Collectively, these initiatives reflect the University of Luzon’s holistic approach to development, benefiting both its academic community and the wider environment in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda.