Staying true to its mission of advancing research and STEM education, a delegation of Pangasinan State University faculty and students once again participated in the TWINCLE Program: Annual Meeting of the Asia and ASEAN Center for Educational Research at Chiba University, Japan.
PSU last participated in the program in 2021 when it was held online due to the pandemic. Now, the university has made its return through face-to-face participation.
Held from February 3–13, 2025, for undergraduates, and extended until February 23, 2025, for post-graduate scholars under the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) program, this initiative provided an immersive scientific experience, interdisciplinary research training, and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
Selected to represent PSU in this global academic exchange, faculty and students from the School of Advanced Studies, Bayambang Campus, and Lingayen Campus participated in the event. The delegation included:
Asst. Prof. Venus May H. Sarmiento – Faculty Representative (PSU-BC)
Chary Lyn D. De Guzman – Ed.D. Science Student (PSU-SAS)
Wednesday N. Ferrer – BSED Science Student (PSU-BC)
Usha Pia V. Danao – BSED Science Student (PSU-LC)
Katrina Paula C. Sison – BSED Science Student (PSU-LC)
Under the “Training of Young Human Resources and Development of Teaching Materials for Physical Science Education” initiative, PSU participants engaged in laboratory experiments, STEM pedagogy workshops, and collaborative research. This hands-on experience enhanced their scientific inquiry skills and research methodologies, positioning them as future innovators in Philippine science education.
Beyond student development, the TWINCLE Program significantly strengthened PSU’s global research ties by facilitating faculty participation in academic forums and collaborative research initiatives with ASEAN institutions. In a notable contribution, Asst. Prof. Sarmiento presented her research on Crisis Management in Communication, demonstrably furthering PSU’s impact on both education and scientific discourse.
Furthermore, PSU delegates experienced cultural immersion, engaging with Japanese students and faculty, exploring local traditions, and gaining firsthand insights into Japan’s education system and rich cultural heritage.
Moreover, Ms. Leizel M. Del Castillo, Director for International Relations, along with OVPLIA heads Dr. Krigher Simbulan and Dr. Jesusa Sanchez, played pivotal roles in supporting the PSU delegation’s successful participation.
This initiative, driven by PSU President Elbert M. Galas’ vision of globally competitive researchers and educators and bolstered by the strong support of Dr. Ian D. Evangelista, Vice President for Local and International Affairs, effectively solidified PSU’s position as a leader in STEM education and research-driven innovation through international collaboration and scientific excellence.
