27/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ | LLCC unveils ASEAN, Internationalization celebration month 2026
Lapu-Lapu City College (LLCC) successfully celebrated the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Internationalization Month 2026 with the theme "One ASEAN, One LLCC" anchored on the ASEAN 2026 theme "Navigating our Future, Together" on August 25, 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Building.
Faculty, administrative staff, and students actively participated in the event by wearing ASEAN-inspired outfits and presenting cultural dance performances that represented various Southeast Asian nations.
Dr. Maria Noeleen M. Borbajo, College Administrator, formally opened the event with her welcome address. "Today's celebration reflects Lapu-Lapu City College's direction as we work toward becoming a globally recognized institution by 2030," she said.
"Through internationalization, active engagement, cultural exchange, and meaningful partnerships, we strengthen our commitment to providing relevant educational programs that respond to both local and global needs," Dr. Borbajo added.
Following the welcome address, Dr. James Liven B. Amoro, Internationalization Coordinator framed the purpose of the celebration under CHED CMO No. 55, s. 2016. "We do not remain inside the campus forever. Internationalization at home becomes our preparation for responsible cross-border engagement," he said.
"We are not simply celebrating this for a day or for a month, we're setting a direction. And we're saying that our institutions can be proudly open-minded, but at the same time, proudly Filipino, while also becoming ASEAN-aware, interculturally competent, and globally prepared," he added, highlighting the importance of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.
The celebration was further enriched by inspirational messages from local government leaders and international partners.
Hon. Joseph T. Pangatungan, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, delivered a message underscoring the vital role of education and tourism in regional synergy. "Dream without borders, and show the world what Lapu-Lapu City College students have every chance to do," he said, encouraging students to embrace opportunities beyond geographical boundaries.
Mr. Garry B. Lao, OIC Tourism Officer, who represented Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Hon. Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King-Chan, extended the city government's full support to LLCCโs global initiatives. "You as a student are not merely an observer of the ASEAN community, you are part of it. You are the future professionals, students, entrepreneurs, future educators, technologists, tourism workers, public servants, and leaders who will represent Lapu-Lapu City in the future," he said.
"Understand our ASEAN neighbors, embrace technology, develop your skills, build friendships beyond borders, and most importantly, remain proud of who you are and where you come from. Be globally competitive, but locally proud," he added.
Dr. Rena Pedaria, President of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA, Inc., New York City), served as guest speaker to reaffirm AFTAโs ongoing collaboration with LLCC. "Let us continue to build bridges, let us open doors, let us create opportunities, and most importantly, let us prepare our own,โ she said.
"May our partnership continue to connect people, empower educators and transform the lives of our learners," she added, reaffirming the partnership of AFTA and LLCC.
A major highlight of the event was the ASEAN Learning Forum, where Mr. James I. Ludevise, Social Studies Instructor, explored ASEAN history, identity, and regional cooperation. Additionally, Ms. Shena Marie T. Pescador, Filipino Instructor, discussed the role of Filipino as an international language, while Ms. Sarah Mae V. Balangatan, English Instructor, highlighted English as a lingua franca in connecting communities and promoting regional understanding.
Participants were invited to experience ASEAN culture firsthand through the โExplore. Taste. Connect. Captureโ activity, featuring an ASEANโIZNโSDG Integration Corner, a Cuisine and National Attire Showcase, and a Digital Language and Greetings Station set up inside the venue.
Adding vibrant color to the celebration was the "Cultural Dance Showcase," presented by selected Physical Education (PE) students and the LLCC Dance Theater, who performed traditional dances from various Southeast Asian countries.
The celebration underscored LLCCโs commitment to internationalization by creating opportunities for the academic community to appreciate ASEAN cultures, strengthen regional awareness, and develop a deeper sense of connection with neighboring countries as the whole ASEAN community celebrates ASEAN month.
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โโThe celebration also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In this way, the celebration reflects the shared goal of building a more informed, culturally aware, and interconnected ASEAN community.
News by J. Falcon & E. Romano
Photos by S. Tapil, J. Colinares, & E. Batchiller
Graphics by P. Susas
