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ACC Joins FSTP & ERASMUS+ Caravan to Forge Global Academic Links

Tacloban City, July 23–24, 2025 — In a bold step towards global academic engagement, Abuyog Community College (ACC) participated in the Foreign Scholarship and Training Program (FSTP) & ERASMUS+ Caravan – Visayas Leg, held at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City. Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, this two-day caravan opened doors for higher education institutions (HEIs) across the region to explore international scholarships and collaboration opportunities.

Representing ACC were three key faculty-administrators: Prof. Dulce Amor C. Cutura, Coordinator of the International Affairs and Linkages Office; Prof. Irene A. Belleza, Community Engagement and Extension Services Coordinator; and Prof. Ma. Aiza C. Traya, Admissions Officer.

For Prof. Dulce Amor C. Cutura, this engagement “sparked a deeper understanding of international partnerships and lit the path toward building institutional readiness for mobility programs.”

This participation is more than an academic milestone—it is the planting of seeds for future exchange, growth, and shared excellence. As the team looks forward to applying these insights, the caravan reaffirmed ACC’s vision of transforming its learners into world-ready citizens.

Day 1: Building Bridges Beyond Borders

The caravan commenced with welcoming remarks from Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III, Director of CHED Regional Office VIII. A dynamic lineup of plenary sessions followed:

  • Ms. Mabel A. Gutierrez, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED IAS, introduced the “Role of ENFP and CHED ERASMUS+ Initiatives,” underscoring the national support for Filipino scholars through Erasmus+.
  • Ms. Thelma Gecolea, Public Affairs Officer of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, joined virtually and presented on PH–EU higher education collaboration.
  • Mr. Gian Paulo Rotersos Paglinawan, Assistant Professor at UP Visayas Tacloban College, shared his inspiring Erasmus Mundus scholarship journey, offering practical insights into application procedures and overseas academic life.
  • Dr. Ana Marquiza Quilicot, President of the Erasmus Mundus Club and Professor at Visayas State University, focused on international credit mobility for both faculty and students.
  • Ms. Brenette Abrenica, HRM Director at the University of San Carlos, delivered strategic advice on institutional capacity building.

Engaging discussions unfolded during the open forum, ending Day 1 on a high note with the closing message by Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman, Regional Project Management Officer – Asia.

Day 2: Unlocking Global Opportunities

The second day spotlighted scholarship programs under Official Development Assistance (ODA):

  • Ms. Mabel Gutierrez opened the day with a session on FSTP, guiding HEIs on how to navigate the foreign scholarship landscape.
  • Ms. Jewel Mae Regnim from JICA introduced Japanese government-funded programs for professionals and educators.
  • Ms. Andrea Conopio and Ms. Choi Subin of KOICA presented scholarship opportunities for postgraduate studies in South Korea.
  • Mr. Rafael Quilala of the U.S. Embassy shared various U.S. exchange programs, including the prestigious Fulbright Program.
  • Ms. Rica Gabrielle Ortiz of TECO promoted scholarships and study opportunities in Taiwan.

Participants were awarded e-certificates, and resource speakers were honored for their contributions through certificates and tokens of appreciation.