Kalinga State University participated in the two-day Upscaling Programs and Projects, Leveraging Internationalization and Futures Thinking (UPLIFT) Masterclass held at Star Colleges, Inc., La Trinidad, Benguet, on 4-5 November 2024.
The UPLIFT Masterclass, organized by the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) and the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO), is an extension of the FLAIR (Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation) Masterclass Series, which has previously focused on enhancing the global rankings of higher education institutions (HEIs). This year, UPLIFT advances these efforts by emphasizing the upscaling and sustainability of internationalization initiatives through strategic foresight. The masterclass aims to equip institutions with tools to strengthen international partnerships, achieve higher standing in esteemed global rankings—such as the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, and the QS Star Ratings System—and elevate their programs to a globally competitive level.
"To strengthen our institutions and drive positive change in our communities, we must share knowledge, collaborate, network, and create synergies," said CHED-CAR Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr. in his opening remarks. He emphasized that while awards are a valued recognition, they are not the ultimate goal. Rather, they represent the collective commitment to implementing impactful programs and projects that advance societal progress. "Together, the Cordillera can achieve greatness," he concluded.
Experts from prominent higher education institutions (HEIs) across the Cordillera region, known for their strong international standing, were invited to share insights from their experiences. Among the featured institutions was Kalinga State University (KSU), acknowledged for its achievements in global rankings, including its placement in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings.
Dr. Pinky Larcelle Gas-ib, Kalinga State University's Director for Distance Education, Transnational Education, and International Linkages, presented on “Fostering Global Citizenship through Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Exchange: The KSU Experience.” In her talk, Dr. Gas-ib highlighted KSU’s commitment to promoting global citizenship by integrating indigenous knowledge systems and fostering cultural exchanges that enrich the university community and beyond.
Dr. Gas-ib was joined by five additional KSU representatives: Jocelyn Lumas-e, Melanie Manuel, Abigail Ocay, Ethel Jovy Wacas, and Mary June Wacas. Added to the previous team in 2022 and 2023, this team belongs to batch 2024, increasing the number of trained task force to work in internationalization application, tasked with advancing the university's efforts towards global engagement and collaboration.
This year's masterclass saw the attendance of approximately 90 participants from diverse higher education institutions across the Cordillera region.
