The first day of the PRIME Camp welcomed 28 delegates from the ASEAN Region to their ‘home’ for the next five days- the Pangasinan State University.
The PSU PRIME Camp or ‘Promoting Region I Through Multicultural Education’ was meant not only to highlight the beauty and diversity of Region I and equip participants with practical leadership tools, but more importantly to develop leaders who understand that true influence begins with empathy and that process is more powerful when it includes everyone.
University President Dr. Elbert M. Galas said the first-ever PRIME Camp not only strengthens PSU’s global presence but also transforms local assets into platforms for international collaboration and engagement.
Clad in their cultural attires, the campers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines attended the Flag Raising Ceremony of PSU held at the Main Campus open field. Amidst the playing of the five national anthems, the national flags of the delegates were likewise raised in a fitting honor to their country of origin.
In the welcome program held at the Aseana Hall of the PSU Golden Lion Hotel, Vice President Dr. Ian Evangelista of the Local and International Affairs (OVPLIA), the division which led the activity, said PRIME was not just another academic gathering but a journey designed to educate minds, stir the spirit and shape the heart.
Commission on Higher Education Regional Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer graced the occasion and inspired the ‘campers’ to listen and engage with deliberate openness.
“Cross cultural exchange now serves as the beating heart of a truly internationalized institution. In Region I, internationalization never meant trading cultural identity for a passport stamp. Our regional branding is about amplifying who we are and by projecting local distinctiveness into a global stage while importing fresh perspectives that refine our practices at home,” RD Ferrer quipped.
Also in the welcome program was Dr. Nicanor Germono, Jr of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College who discussed the promotion, preservation and restoration of culture in Region I.
In the afternoon, a guided tour through the province’s landmark Banaan Museum gave a quick view of the Pangasinan culture in partnership with the Provincial Tourism Office.
A vibrant socialization night welcomed new friendships and culture among the delegates who danced and sang to the music of the Provincial Government Band.
The Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Governor Ramon ‘Mon-mon’ Guico III gave full support to the PRIME Camp endeavor.
#TatakPSU
#PRIMECamp2025
