The University of Baguio continues to move closer to its goal and efforts towards higher internalization metrics and global academic integration, as the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) hosted the Academic Visit for the Taiwan Education Center-Philippines Higher Education Collaboration on April 7, 2026, at Café Fernando. The gathering served as a productive dialogue between the institution and the hosted visit and delegation composed of officials from the Taiwan Education Center, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), and National Chi Nan University (NCNU).
The endeavor focused on improving mutual understanding of institutional strengths and academic resources through guest lectures and discussions that highlighted academic strengths, educational approaches, and areas of expertise for international delegates and student representatives. Furthermore, it addresses and connects the two nations through guest lectures, research sharing, and the exploration of faculty and student mobility programs.
Alt Text: Highlights during the academic visit and collaboration between the University of Baguio and TEC-Philippines, held at Cafe Fernando, April 7, 2026
Philippines and Taiwan for Student Academic Mobility
Opening the program was SIHTM dean Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc, expressing gratitude all while describing the event as more than just a formal meeting but a meaningful avenue to exchange ideas, topic points, and aspirations on local and international set points. This marks the beginning of a partnership in which both institutions can adopt one another’s best practices. The welcome remark was then followed by the director of Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach (RIECO), Dr. Donnavilla Panday-Herbster, who echoed the sentiment of the newly formed friendship and connection between the schools.
Setting the ground for both the university and the Taiwanese institutions that prioritize internationalization, the collaboration is a natural fit because they share a goal of providing academic mobility, academic opportunities, and mutual commitments to community-focused research and innovation.
Representing the visitors, Ms. Jennifer Yeh, General Manager of the Taiwan Education Center, commended the institution for its formidable achievements, particularly SIHTM students, and thanked the university for the exceptional hospitality during their stay. Joining her from National Sun Yat-sen University were Dr. Chia-Hao Hsu, Dr. Yu-Ching Huang, and Dr. Tijuku Rujigajig, along with a delegation from the International Indigenous Interdisciplinary Program and the Master of Indigenous Studies in Sociology. Representing National Chi Nan University were Dr. Yu-Chih Huang and Ms. Patricia Xie.
Part of the visit was the lecture series discussing the programs, expectations, and academic plan brought forth for the academic partnership. A highlight of the visit was a lecture by Dr. Yu-Chih Huang, chair and professor of the Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Hospitality Management at NCNU. Drawing parallels between the highland landscapes of Baguio City and Nantou, Taiwan, Dr. Huang discussed the University-Industry Collaboration Engagement. The research explores the integration of virtual reality (VR) in tourism, the link between travel and human well-being, and the necessity of career adaptability in a shifting global market.
Alt Text: Highlights from the Student participants from the University of Baguio, TEC-Philippines representatives, NSYSU, and NCNU during the academic visit and collaboration held at Cafe Fernando, April 7, 2026
Dr. Huang invited the participating students to pursue their graduate degrees and research projects in Taiwan after his talk. A cultural exhibition with traditional chants and songs performed by National Sun Yat-sen University student delegates marked the event’s conclusion. The show highlighted the rich cultural legacy that both areas have in common while paying homage to Indigenous transdisciplinary traditions.
Articulating the collaboration, the event championed metrics that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: promoting cross-border research exchange and giving students access to international graduate programs. Both universities improve the caliber and scope of their programs by incorporating a variety of scholarly viewpoints
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: focusing on industry-university engagement and technological resilience in tourism. As Dr. Huang’s insights on career adaptability ensure that students graduate with the skills necessary to drive sustainable growth in a modern, tech-driven economy
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: centering Indigenous knowledge within a high-level academic dialogue, the partnership ensures that traditional heritage (through studies and performances) is respected and integrated into global education
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: fostering cross-border cooperation and sharing institutional resources, as UB and its Taiwanese partners are creating a sustainable framework for international academic excellence
