This year’s Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) was garciously hosted by the Pangasinan State University (PSU). An internationalization masterclass for Region 1 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED-RO I), was held at the Golden Lion Hotel on September 30, 2025.
PSU President Dr. Elbert M. Galas expressed his support for the Commission’s goal of advancing academic institutions toward global recognition and international rankings.
“As PSU celebrates its firsts in several quality mechanisms, the University also maintains active and strong engagements in international rankings to sustain and advance its quality standards,” President Galas said.
CHED Regional Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer brought up the importance of collaboration among HEIs in pursuing quality excellence within the region.
“Our goals today include capacity building, engaging solidarity and exemplifying dignity and excellence for a Region as Home of the Bests,” Director Ferrer added.
FLAIR 2025 featured presentations on best practices for various international ranking systems, including the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), UI GreenMetric Rankings, and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, led by universities that have achieved impressive rankings in each category.
Dr. Sonny Soriano of Urdaneta City University shared insights on WURI; Engr. Marvin Calpito of Panpacific University discussed UI GreenMetric practices; while Dr. Arlene Gonzales of Mariano Marcos State University presented details of THE Rankings best practices.
Meanwhile, Ms. Leizel Del Castillo, PSU Director for International Relations, represented the University during the Pledge of Commitment Signing, which signified a united effort among HEIs toward strengthening internationalization initiatives.
Mr. Jerome Duque of Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Rodney D. Raguinduin of Lyceum-Northwestern University, and CHED-RO1 supervisors took part in the event. Through this engagement, PSU, under the leadership of Dr. Galas remains committed in its pursuit of a strategic and functional internationalization program, in alignment with its strategic goal.
