University of Luzon Officials Forge International Ties at EduCanada Partnership Forum

The University of Luzon (UL) has taken a significant step forward in its internationalization agenda with the active participation of its senior officials at the prestigious EduCanada Partnership Pathways forum. Representing the institution were Prof. Angel Samson Reyna Jr., International Affairs Director, and Dr. Carmelo John Vidal, Dean of the Graduate School. The high-level event, which serves as a cornerstone for Philippine-Canadian academic cooperation, was jointly organized by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) International Affairs Service and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines. Held yesterday, March 8, at the Diamond Residences in Makati City, the forum brought together key academic leaders to catalyze future collaborative agreements.

The primary objective of the EduCanada forum was to create a strategic meeting point for leading universities from both the Philippines and Canada, fostering environments conducive to collaboration and network establishment. Discussions centered on core pillars of global academic development: comprehensive internationalization, enhanced student mobility, and the exploration of expansion opportunities for Philippine education in the Canadian landscape. The presence of University of Luzon’s representatives at this gathering underscores the institution’s commitment to expanding global horizons for its entire community, particularly its students, the Luzonians.

The structure of the event was specifically designed to maximize engagement and identify synergies between participating institutions. A notable segment was the lightning pitch session, during which various Canadian universities succinctly presented their institutional strengths and unique propositions that position them as ideal international collaborators. Following the formal presentations, Prof. Reyna Jr. and Dr. Vidal participated in instrumental one-on-one sessions. These focused interactions were crucial in fostering meaningful connections, deepening mutual understanding of each nation’s higher education landscape, and pinpointing precise areas for potential joint ventures. The University of Luzon expressed great enthusiasm regarding the outcomes, noting, “We are privileged to have participated in this event and are eager to explore potential opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading Canadian universities.”

This proactive engagement is a clear reflection of the University of Luzon’s strategic vision to not only elevate its academic quality but also to ensure its graduates are globally competitive. By cultivating robust international partnerships, the University is laying the groundwork for academic and research exchanges, faculty training programs, and dual-degree pathways that will significantly benefit Luzonians by exposing them to diverse, world-class educational standards and opportunities in North America. This sustained effort in global networking solidifies UL’s standing as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The University of Luzon’s attendance at the EduCanada Partnership Pathways forum is a clear demonstration of its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Foremost, these activities directly align with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which calls for revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development through multi-stakeholder collaborations that mobilize knowledge, expertise, and resources. By establishing institutional linkages with Canadian universities, the University is enhancing capacity-building and fostering North-South cooperation, a key target of SDG 17. Furthermore, the central focus on student mobility and international program enhancement strongly supports SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly Target 4.3, which aims to ensure equal access to affordable and quality tertiary education, including university education, thereby globalizing and elevating the quality of instruction available to Luzonians.