Higher education institutions across the MIMAROPA region gathered at the Palawan State University Main Campus on September 2–3, 2026, for the Partnerships for University Linkages and Opportunities (PULO) 2026 conference, centered on the theme “Islands Connecting Higher Education Across ASEAN.”
Prof. Marissa S. Pontillas, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), speaking on behalf of University President Dr. Venzon L. Limpiada, opened the PULO 2026 conference with a strong message on working together. She thanked CHED MIMAROPA, CHED International Affairs Service, and all participating colleges and universities for coming together. She shared that this event proves what higher education can achieve when schools choose to support each other instead of working alone. She highlighted that PULO 2026 acts as a bridge that connects different cultures and opens up new possibilities for collaboration. By sharing resources and working together, universities across MIMAROPA can better solve local challenges, improve education, and create real opportunities for their students and faculty. Finally, she challenged all participants to make sure their discussions lead to real results. She urged everyone to move from just making connections to truly working together, turning agreements into practical actions that bring long-term benefits to the entire region.
Dr. Amabel S. Liao, President of Western Philippines University (WPU) called on to local universities, especially Palawan State University, to work together instead of competing. Rather than seeing their island location as an obstacle, they should join forces to share resources, create joint research projects, and make it easier for students and teachers to move between schools. The main idea is “Internationalization at Home”—the belief that to connect with the world, universities must first value their own roots. By protecting local culture, history, and environmental assets like the Tabon Caves, MIMAROPA schools can bring unique strengths to the global stage. Ultimately, the address emphasizes that signing agreements isn’t enough; universities must turn these plans into real action to help the region connect with the wider world.
Following Dr. Liao’s address, Prof. Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, CHED MIMAROPA Regional Director, shared a message of support and explained the purpose of PULO 2026. Director Legazpi pledged CHED’s commitment to helping local colleges and universities grow together. By connecting island schools into one strong network, CHED aims to help universities share resources, make it easier for students and teachers to move between campuses, and raise the quality of education across MIMAROPA. In the end, this effort ensures local schools help develop the region while building strong connections with the rest of Southeast Asia.
Plenary sessions addressed key pillars of higher education, including Internationalization-at-Home: Bringing Global Learning to Every Campus presented by Dr. Gianinna Elaine Labicane, Director, International Relations Office, Vice President for Student Affairs, RSU, MAIRO President; Quality Beyond Borders: Advancing Excellence through ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) insights by Dr. John Donnie A. Ramos, Professor, DBS, RCNAS, University of Sto. Tomas (UST), AUN-QA Assessor; and Beyond Borders: Research, Innovation, and Global Academic Visibility discussions led by Dr. Leo Mendel D. Rosario, Program Chair, MRDM, UP Open University.
By sharing resources, driving local innovation, and turning plans into real action, PULO 2026 created a clear roadmap for MIMAROPA universities to bring their rich local culture and strengths to the global ASEAN stage.
