YONSEI UNIVERSITY, SOUTH KOREA — Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) joined a historic global event as Yonsei University, South Korea (established in 1885) which celebrated its 140th Anniversary with the theme “Pioneering the Future of Christian Higher Education,” gathering HEI leaders and administrators worldwide for an international conference on life-medical science, artificial intelligence and technology, humanities, and Christian missions from September 24 to 26, 2025.Representing WU-P was Dr. Lucille Grace C. Hilario, Dean of the College of Education, who was privileged to serve as one of the plenary speakers where she addressed the pressing issues of future research and education through a moving story about a pencil that served as a powerful symbol of both hope and systemic failure, recounting the experiences of WUP alumnus Dr. Alvin Estabillo during his first teaching assignment in a remote multi-grade school in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.In her plenary address, Dr. Hilario narrated how a boy refused to discard his worn-out pencil because it was the only pencil he had, while a girl broke a new pencil Dr. Alvin gave her in half to share with her younger brother.

From this story, she identified major challenges confronting education and research, such as underfunding and outdated infrastructure, worsened by bureaucratic inefficiencies like “ghost projects” in flood control in the Philippines.

She shared that, according to Dr. Gener Subia, WUP’s Research Director, these conditions severely affect learning outcomes, as low-paid teachers are burdened with excessive teaching loads, leaving them little time for preparation, professional growth, and research.

She also highlighted Cleto’s (2024) findings that many college students engaged in frequent cheating.

Moreover, students become increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, undermining authentic learning, creativity, and critical thinking.

Dr. Hilario also added that rigid curricula often prioritize covering a vast amount of content rather than fostering deep understanding and mastery, making an increasing mismatch between instruction and real-world skills demanded by today’s society.

Lastly, she stated how education often prioritizes intellectual development while neglecting character, emotional growth, and spiritual values, with some educators favoring personal comfort over their higher calling to serve.

Dr. Lucille concluded by challenging participants to reaffirm their shared commitment to God and to pursue global collaboration rooted in compassion, equity, and integrity, stressing that the true test of education is how far it reaches those at the margins.

Ms. Rio Anne Dizon, Director of the Office of Internationalization and Linkages, emphasized that WUP’s participation reflects its shared Christian mission with Yonsei and its commitment to transformative education.

“Wesleyan University-Philippines is honored to participate in the 140th Anniversary Conference of Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, as a recognition of our shared Christian mission and enduring commitment to transformative education. Like Yonsei, WU-P has remained steadfast in upholding Christian values while equipping future leaders who contribute to national development and the global community,” she said.

She added that WUP’s representation through Dr. Hilario affirms the university’s role as a faith-driven institution, ready to engage with Christian universities, mission organizations, and NGOs worldwide.

“The conference provides a valuable platform for WU-P to join discussions on how Christian higher education can address emerging global challenges—particularly in the areas of the humanities, life sciences, medical sciences, artificial intelligence, technology, and missions—while remaining grounded in our commitment to character, scholarship, and service,” she noted.

by Ayumi San Cai Valerio
Information and photos courtesy of Lucille Grace C. Hilario