The Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) Masterclass in CAR: Upscaling Programs and Projects, Leveraging Internationalization and Futures Thinking (UPLIFT 2025), organized by the Commission on Higher Education–Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED–CAR) in collaboration with SLU and the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO), concluded on 01 October 2025 by recognizing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region for significant accomplishments in global university rankings.
Held at the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall of Saint Louis University (SLU), the second day of the event opened with the session “Leadership and Policy in Higher Education, focusing on Building a Stronger Foundation for Internationalization” by Major John Eric A. Tadeo, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Professor and Fulbright Fellow.
Thereafter, Ar. Donna R. Tabangin, City Planning, Development, and Sustainability (CPDS) Coordinator delved in “Establishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Corner: Making Impact Visible.”
Testimonials from the CAR-HEIs representatives that ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE), World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), or Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) then commenced centering on the ranking journeys and strategies of HEIs, as well as a sharing of tips and best practices.
The Testimonials were highlighted by a series of Plenary Pitching sessions facilitated by respective HEI representatives. Representing SLU were Program Coordinator Engr. Geraldine G. Nerona who facilitated the plenary pitching for the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and irector of SLU-Office of Institutional Development and Quality Assurance (OIDQA), Mr. Hector L. Martin, who led the pitching for the QS Stars and QS Asia University Rankings.
The Gawad Parangal sa Pandaigdigang Kahusayan followed shortly where certificates and tokens were awarded to the HEIs that ranked in WURI, THE Impact Rankings, and QS World/Asia Rankings.
SLU ranked in 751-800 in the QS in Asia University Rankings 2025, with 3 QS Stars. The University also achieved Rank 601-800 in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and Rank 137 in WURI 2025.
After the awarding ceremony, Elma C. Paz, Education Program Specialist II and Desk Officer for Asia Pacific Region, International Affairs Service of CHED (IAS-CHED) extended words of appreciation on behalf of Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, Director IV of IAS.
To conclude the event, the Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED-CAR, Ma. Geraldine F. Casipit, reminded the participants of the importance of pursuing sustainability and development in the educational landscape of CAR. “This collective effort drives innovation (allowing us to) stay ahead in a competitive environment not only locally but also globally,” she said.
The FLAIR Masterclass in CAR: UPLIFT 2025 is aligned with the Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies and Vitalized Policies, Internal Systems, and Governance of CHED’s A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Roadmap. (Article by Eugene Maurice C. Sawey, OGRAASP Intern | Photos by Reijn Valdez, UIO Intern)
