Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) participated in the ASEAN Conference 2025 held at Hotel Seoul, Clark, Pampanga, on September 4, 2025, with the theme HIRAYA: Honoring Internationalization through Regional ASEAN-YEARNED Alliances, organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office III (CHEDRO III) in partnership with 26 internationally ranked and recognized higher education institutions in Central Luzon.

On behalf of University President Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr., WUP was represented by Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Juanito Leabres Jr., Director of the Office of Instruction and concurrent Director of the WUP Center for Lifelong Learning.

The forum served as the culminating activity of the ASEAN Month Celebration. Aimed at deepening dialogue on the role of higher education in advancing regional cooperation, the ASEAN Conference 2025 highlighted key discussions on integration, collaboration, and internationalization.

Dr. Lora L. Yusi, Director IV of CHEDRO III, opened the program with her welcome remarks, followed by a forum on ASEAN Integration led by Dr. Myrna Mallari, who shared valuable insights on how academic institutions can align with ASEAN’s vision of unity, mobility, and shared growth.

One of the highlights of the event was the signing of the Pledge of Commitment, led by Dr. Yusi together with the HEI Presidents, affirming their dedication to fostering stronger and more meaningful collaborations with ASEAN counterparts. This was followed by a Wine Toasting Ceremony in honor of the WURI awardees. The event concluded with a closing message by Dr. John Wesley S. Calagui, Education Supervisor II.

Through this collective commitment, WUP reaffirmed its vision to advance internationalization, uphold academic excellence, and sustain meaningful regional and global partnerships. This initiative directly supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting internationalization, enhancing academic mobility, and creating opportunities for global learning and cultural exchange that elevate the quality and relevance of higher education. At the same time, it contributed to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening regional alliances and fostering cross-border collaborations that expand shared resources, expertise, and innovations among ASEAN member states.

Article and photos by Juanito Leabres, Jr.