Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna

Mapúa schools in the limelight for championing global sustainability and innovation   

Mapúa schools in the limelight for championing global sustainability and innovation.

Mapúa schools in the limelight for championing global sustainability and innovation

 

Mapúa schools in the limelight for championing global sustainability and innovation.

 

Beyond its renowned ranking as a top global institution, Mapúa University, along with its esteemed subsidiaries Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, has long established itself as a global powerhouse fostering sustainability and innovation to build a sustainable future for the country and the world. Through its commitment to upholding this purpose, the Mapúa schools has earned notable recognition from the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

For 5 consecutive years, flagship school Mapúa University has been recognized as an institution for people and the planet by THE Impact Rankings, a global performance table that evaluates universities based on their alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Securing its spot in the 801-1000 bracket, Mapúa ranked for all 17 SDGs and specifically excelled in 4 goals, namely SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (62.5-71.7), SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production (57.7-65.4), SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy (55.5-59.5), and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (52.9-59.7).

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna also achieved the milestone of being a newly ranked school in the THE Impact Rankings this year. Debuting with a 1501+ ranking out of the 2,152 institutions evaluated, Mapúa MCL acquired the best scores in SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being (Rank 1001+), SDG 5 – Gender Equality (Rank 1001+), SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (Rank 801+), and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (Rank 1501+).

After its first venture, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao gained inclusion in the THE Impact Rankings as well, earning Rank 1001+ in SDG 5 – Gender Equality and SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, while placing 1501 in SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

Truly a premier innovative institution, the Mapúa group also secured top rankings in the recently announced WURI 2024. WURI aims to spotlight higher education institutions that excel in contributing to industry and society, with emphasis on innovative education, research, and engagement to society, using 13 categories for comprehensive measurement.

Mapúa University garnered spots in Category A3 Industrial Applications for USHER Technologies, ranking 39th, and Category A6 Social Responsibility for its Dunong Lingkod Program, ranking 95th. Out of more than the 1,000 schools assessed, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna also ranked 84th in Leadership and 91st in Student and Support Engagement. Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao’s global competitiveness shone as well with its inclusion in Student Support and Engagement (Rank 82), Symbol (Rank 54), and Culture/Values (Rank 82).

“Mapúa school’s innovative and collective commitment to building a sustainable future for all is a testament to its mission to leave a positive impact on the world. By proactively addressing the realities of global issues, Mapúa empowers its learners to tap and strengthen their critical thinking skills, equipping them with the kind of knowledge that inspires them to be part of the sustainability movement. This active engagement, for Mapúa, is the ultimate measure of success as an educational institution”. Mapúa schools President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo stated.

By fostering a sustainable environment across its communities, the Mapúa schools aim to make an impact by leading the youth to advocate for excellence not only in academics but in solving real-world issues. And as its centennial milestone is closely approaching, Mapúa University aspires to continue its legacy as a global leader outside the bounds of higher education for the next 100 years and beyond.

 

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About Mapúa University. Mapúa University is the country’s premier engineering and technological school and one of the best universities in the world. It is among the top 6% of the world’s higher educational institutions, and one of only four Philippine universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) 2024. It is a Quacquarelli Symonds-rated 4 Star institution and among the top 100 universities in Southeast Asia. Mapúa University is one of the iPeople schools, a Yuchengco-Ayala education partnership, providing first-class education for a century through academically excellent programs in Engineering and Sciences, Architecture and Design, Information Technology, Communication and Media Studies, and Senior High School. Mapúa also provides access to international education in Business and Management and Health Sciences through its collaboration with Arizona State University, the most innovative university in the US. Learn more about Mapúa University at https://www.mapua.edu.ph/.

About Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna. Mapúa MCL is located in Cabuyao, Laguna, and offered its first programs in 2007. One of the best board exam performing private schools in Calabarzon, Mapúa MCL is the youngest ever school to attain CHED Autonomous Status in the country. Having first earned an overall rating of 3 Stars from the the UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Star Rating System in 2020, it once again earned 3 QS Stars along with five stars in the Employability, Online Learning, and Social Responsibility, and ratings in five other categories this 2024. It is also the first ISO 21001:2018 – EOMS Certified School in Calabarzon. As one of the iPeople schools, a Yuchengco-Ayala education partnership, Mapúa MCL currently has over 6,000 students and offers programs in architecture, engineering, computer science, IT, multimedia arts, business, accountancy, hotel & restaurant management, health sciences, as well as senior high school. Mapúa MCL has also partnered with two international institutions: Business College of Athens, Greece, for its first post-graduate maritime degrees; and Arizona State University for the programs under the College of Health Sciences and the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business. This 2024, Mapúa MCL has started offering B.S. Aeronautical Engineering under the newly established Mapúa-Laguna Institute of Aviation. Learn more about Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna at https://www.mcl.edu.ph/.

About Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao. Mapúa MCM is located in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and was established in 2015. Mapúa MCM utilizes an instructional approach that combines face-to-face and online learning for its students. In recognition of its commitment to delivering an excellent technology-driven education, Mapúa MCM has been continuously awarded by Cengage for Outstanding Digital Activations since 2019, the Wiley Digital Education Award in 2021, the Anthology Catalyst Award in Teaching & Learning in 2022, and the Anthology Catalyst Award in Student experience in 2023 which recognizes institutions leveraging technology to develop educational and administrative innovations that positively influence the total learner experience inside and outside of the classroom. Mapúa MCM is a part of the iPeople schools, a Yuchengco-Ayala education partnership, providing first-class education for a century through academically excellent programs in Engineering and Architecture, Arts and Science, Information Science, Business, Health Sciences, and Junior and Senior High School. Mapúa MCM also provides access to international education in Business and Management and Health Sciences through its collaboration with Arizona State University, the most innovative university in the US. Learn more about Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao at https://mcm.edu.ph/

Mapúa MCL alumna and MGI reservoir engineer accepted to the UNESCO Geothermal Training Programme

mgi engineer

Mapúa MCL alumna and MGI reservoir engineer accepted to the UNESCO Geothermal Training Programme

 

By: Vanessa G. Peralta, PetroEnergy Resources Corporation 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) alumna and Maibarara Geothermal Inc. (MGI) reservoir engineer, Engr. Diana Lee Navarro has been accepted to the six-month Geothermal Training Programme offered by the GRO training center in Iceland under UNESCO. The program will be held from May 28 to November 15, 2024.

 

Photo from Philstar Global 

 

Engr. Navarro is a licensed Chemical Engineer from Mapúa MCL’s Batch 2020 who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. Chemical Engineering degree.

Since joining MGI in 2023 as a reservoir engineer, Engr. Navarro has analyzed wellbore and reservoir performance using both surface and subsurface data. This analysis enables her to forecast steam reserves, conduct wellbore simulations, and optimize production and injection well utilization for efficient resource management.

In the six-month program, Engr. Navarro will undergo a rigorous training program that will dive into various aspects of geothermal exploration, development, and resource management.

Engr. Navarro’s achievements in the Engineering field stand as a demonstration of Mapúa MCL’s commitment to academic excellence. Mapúa MCL continues to strive in providing knowledge and practical skills that its graduates could apply in their future professions and endeavors.

Read the full article here.

Mapúa MCL’s Faculty Research Colloquium: Sustaining Innovative Breakthroughs and Academic Excellence

mapua malayan colleges laguna faculty research colloquium

Mapúa MCL’s Faculty Research Colloquium: Sustaining Innovative Breakthroughs and Academic Excellence

 

By Lois Gabrielle D. Tobias

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s (Mapúa MCL) 18th Foundation Week sparked a journey towards sustainable research with its Faculty Research Colloquium. Held on January 25, 2024, the event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration, and celebrating academic excellence, all aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

 

Dr. Hermie V. Articona, Director of the Research Promotion and Coordination Office (RPCO), outlined their goals: to embed sustainability within the institution and contribute to the SDGs through research. He encouraged participants to delve into fields like smart technologies, renewable energy, and climate change, highlighting upcoming ideation summits, workshops, and research centers dedicated to finding sustainable solutions.

“This year, our goal is to fully support the publication of research works of our faculty members abroad,” said Dr. Articona, about the institution’s goals in research. “Also, we will continuously hold ideation summits, research colloquia for faculty members and students, research proposal workshops, and other events that would help nurture our ‘innovation’ gene. We are also planning to put up research centers at Mapúa MCL and pushing for more research collaborations.”

The following research studies were presented:

 

  • “Students’ Academic Performance Comparison under Different Modalities of Mapúa MCL FLUX for Engineering Dynamics.” aligned with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and SDG 4: Quality Education by Prof. Ramon P. Velasco from the College of Arts and Science
  • “Development of a Web-Based Student Curriculum Guide and Portfolio.” aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education by Prof. Khristian G. Kikuchi from the College of Computer and Information Science
  • “Teaching Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to Secondary School Students using Online Interactive Course.” aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action by Prof. Banjie G. Sarmiento from the College of Health Sciences
  • “The Role of Loan-Related Risk Appetite in the Relationship Between Financial Risk Consideration and MSME Growth Decision: A Mediation Analysis.” aligned with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by Prof. Donn Enrique L. Moreno from the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business
  • “Development of Wood-Plastic Soil Tray Composite (WPSTC) using Polymerized Coir-Wood Dust for Green Roof Structures.” aligned with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by Ar. Wilfredo G. Gacutan and Engr. Hermie M. Del Pilar from the Mapúa Institute of Technology Laguna.

The colloquium not only showcased successful research endeavors but also served as a powerful call to action. By recognizing and encouraging further exploration in sustainable fields, Mapúa MCL paves the way for a brighter future, both for its institution and the community.

Mapúa MCL Earns 3 QS Stars in Quacquarelli Symonds Rating System

mapua malayan colleges laguna quacquarelli symonds rating system

Mapúa MCL Earns 3 QS Stars in Quacquarelli Symonds Rating System

By: Lois Gabrielle Tobias

 

This 2024, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) was once again rated as a 3 Stars institution by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rating System, along with being awarded 5 QS Stars for a total of three (3) distinct categories: Employability, Online Learning, and Social Responsibility. This internationally recognized evaluation system assesses universities across various aspects, providing valuable insights for students. QS Stars is an internationally recognized mark of quality and is used to refine an institution’s performance strategy, its promotion globally, and the attraction to more students and education partners. 

According to Quacquarelli Symonds, universities and institutions are awarded with a 3-star rating for delivering quality teaching, preparing graduates who are in demand by employers, actively working towards meeting international education standards, engaging in innovative research, and exploring new teaching methods. 

Mapúa MCL first received its 3 QS Stars Overall rating from in 2020, along with 5 Stars for Employability, and 4 Stars for Facilities. This year, the institution retained its overall rating of 3 QS Stars and Employability 5-Star rating while receiving 5 Stars for two (2) more categories: Online Learning and Social Responsibility. 

Now with 5 QS Stars in three (3) individual categories, Mapúa MCL further highlights its strong focus on preparing graduates for successful careers, providing flexible learning options to students, and fulfilling its mission to produce social wealth by from the generation of new knowledge.

This 2024, Mapúa MCL also received 4 QS Stars in Teaching, 3 Stars in Academic Development, Inclusiveness, and Engineering – Mechanical, and 1 Star for Internationalization. 

Mapúa MCL’s performance in the QS Stars Rating System serves as a valuable benchmark, a significant milestone, and a renewal of its commitment to its students. By continuously striving for improvement in providing quality education and equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the professional world, Mapúa MCL can further solidify its position as one of the leading educational institutions in the Philippines.  

 

Mapúa MCL joins Times Higher Education (THE) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Times Higher Education Summit.

Mapúa MCL joins Times Higher Education (THE) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

“Internationalization drives institutions to open their doors wider to welcome international students and form global alliances. Universities attract talent and cultivate a cross-cultural exchange that helps graduates thrive in an interconnected world.

Universities must align curricula with industry needs and provide their graduates with practical skills, making them employable and boosting economic growth to address the employability and skills gap.

By upholding values of empathy, integrity, and honesty, and through the cultivation of ethical leaders and compassionate citizens, universities cement their role in shaping a future that is academically brilliant, socially conscious, and responsible.”


 

The statement above serves as the inspiration of Times Higher Education (THE) in organizing the 2024 Asia Universities Summit last April 29 to May 1, 2024 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Co-hosted by Sunway University, the Summit was able to gather close to 1,000 university leaders and stakeholders to get valuable inputs on the following sessions:

  • Day One: Transnational education: Building bridges across countries and campuses
  • Day Two: Employability and skills gap: Building bridges with industry
  • Day Three: Communities and authorities: Building bridges with society

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) participated in the Summit as part of its efforts to build a reputation among regional networks, including the Asia Pacific through THE. The delegation was composed of the following:

  • Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Engr. Anthony Hilmer S. Medrano, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
  • Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages
  • Engr. Rachel C. Villanueva, Assistant Vice President for Planning and Quality Management

 

 

The Summit was opened by the Keynote Addresses of Malaysia Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Zamby Abdul Kadir who stressed the importance of globalization in education and how the Malaysian Government supports universities in meeting global standards. In the opening ceremonies, similar thoughts were shared by Phil Baty, THE’s Chief of Global Affairs; and Sunway University President, Dr. Sibrandes Poppema. It was followed by panel discussions and networking sessions with education solution providers, and exhibitor universities.

 

 

The Mapúa MCL delegation was also given the chance to meet and greet Sunway University President, Dr. Poppema, to briefly discuss the partnership between the two universities as facilitated by Cintana Education.

 

 

Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina stressed the importance of keeping the network among global higher education stakeholders in positioning Mapúa MCL strategically in its journey into becoming a reputable institution in teaching, learning, research, and extension services. In breaking into this global higher education arena, internationalization efforts such as faculty and staff mobility, student exchange, and research collaboration must be arranged with partner institutions for a mor meaningful engagement.

The next THE Asia Universities Summit will be held on April 2025 at Macau Special Administrative Region in China.

Mapua MCL Joins the Quacquarelli Symonds Higher Ed Summit: APAC 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mapua MCL Joins QS HES.

Mapua MCL Joins the Quacquarelli Symonds Higher Ed Summit: APAC 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

In a significant milestone, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) marked its first-ever participation as an exhibitor at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2023, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last November 7 to 9, 2023. The summit provided an unparalleled platform for academic institutions to connect, collaborate, and share insights on the future of higher education.

The Mapúa MCL delegation was represented by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Engr. Maribel Songsong, Assistant-Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages, Prof. James Ronald Mesina, the Director for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement, Ms. Pearl Stephanie Ulep, the Program Assistant for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement, Ms. Ivana Ruth Vidal, the College of Computer and Information Science’s Dean, Prof. Khristian Kikuchi, and the Program Chair of Computer Engineering, Engr. Maribelle Pabiania. This diverse team brought a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing Mapúa MCL’s academic standing on the international stage.

 

 

As an exhibitor, the institution had the opportunity to engage with numerous universities from the Asia Pacific region. The summit facilitated discussions on academic collaborations, research partnerships, and the exchange of best practices in education. The Mapúa MCL team actively participated in forums, workshops, and networking sessions, fostering connections with like-minded institutions dedicated to advancing higher education.

One of the key highlights of Mapúa MCL’s participation was the initiation of collaborations with several universities from the Asia Pacific region. The discussions ranged from joint research projects and faculty exchange programs to student mobility initiatives. These collaborations not only enhance Mapua MCL’s academic offerings but also contribute to the global exchange of knowledge and cultural diversity.

 

 

The new partnerships and collaborations that can be generated from this event will improve the quality of instructions and research that we can share with our students. It can also open opportunities for international mobility for our students that can widen their horizons,” says Dean Kikuchi.

As the institution expands its network of partnerships with APAC universities, it paves the way for a brighter future for its students, faculty, and staff. These collaborations will provide a platform for global learning, research, and innovation, positioning Mapúa MCL as a force in higher education in the region and beyond.

Adding to the prestige of Mapua MCL’s participation, Engr. Songsong and Engr. Pabiania were featured as panel speakers at the summit. Their presentation, titled, Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Best Practices in Mapua MCL’s Computer Engineering Learning Outcomes, showcased the school’s innovative approach to preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace.

 

 

Engr. Pabiania shared this remarkable experience, “Being chosen as one of the panel speakers during the summit was a very humbling and fulfilling experience for us. Upon submission to the QS portal, we were just hopeful that the proposal will be accepted, and we are so thankful because it was selected to be one of the top 20 submissions, paving the way for us to present in one of the sessions.”

 

 

“We introduced Mapúa MCL and highlighted its different teaching and learning initiatives that have been implemented, specifically in the Computer Engineering program,” Engr. Pabiania adds. Some of these initiatives were micro-credentialing, earning certifications, completing industry practicum training, and participating in community engagements and service-learning activities.

Participating in the QS Higher Ed Summit: APAC 2023 stands as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history and is a step towards solidifying its position on the global academic stage. The exposure gained from being an exhibitor has not only increased the university’s visibility but has also positioned Mapua MCL as a key player in shaping the future of higher education in the Asia Pacific region.

 

 

The collaborations initiated, the connections made, and the insightful contributions of Engr. Songsong and Prof. Pabiania during the summit highlight Mapúa MCL’s commitment to excellence in education and its proactive approach to global engagement. As Mapúa MCL continues to expand its horizons, the impact of this participation will undoubtedly resonate in the academic achievements and opportunities afforded to the Mapúa MCL community in the years to come.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna joins Global Universities in the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition 2024 in Perth, Australia

MMCL at the Asia Pacific Association for International Education 2024.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna joins Global Universities in the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition 2024 in Perth, Australia

 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s internationalization efforts are centered on promoting collaboration among global stakeholders in education with the aim of enriching teaching and learning activities in the long run. This is aligned with the institution’s vision of being a global steeple of excellence in professional education and research. In achieving this, the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages connects with global institutions to set the footprint of Mapúa MCL in the international arena.

Last March 4 to 8, 2024, the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) held its 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Perth Convention Centre, Perth, West Australia as we focus on the theme: Collaborating for sustainable impact: partnerships across the Asia Pacific. APAIE 2024 is an annual conference and exhibition, usually held in March. The main purpose is to provide networking opportunities and to share best practices for professionals in international higher education. A key component is a series of Regional Reports for updates across the Asia Pacific (www.apaie.net).

 

 

Mapúa MCL is represented by Assistant Vice-President Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, who presented Mapúa MCL’s best practices in community engagement and collaborative student participation in one of the sessions. The sharing is about various stakeholders collaborating in the institution’s service-learning and community engagement activities in its adopted Aetas community in Porac, Pampanga, since 2015 and the opportunities for global collaboration, impactful research, and citizen science.

APAIE 2024 is full of networking meetings, sharing of best practices, and exhibitions by more than 200 event sponsors and partners. It was participated in by more than 500 educational institutions globally on 6 continents. Prof. Mesina stressed the importance of international organizations for Mapúa MCL’s strategic efforts of putting the institution on the map for global collaboration. By participating in APAIE, the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages expects at least ten (10) collaborative activities with foreign universities that will focus on research, student and faculty mobility, cultural exchange, and micro credentialing.

 

 

As stated on the APAIE website, the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) aims to advance education by enabling greater cooperation between institutions to enrich and support international programs, activities, and exchanges and to promote the value of international education within the Asia-Pacific region. APAIE aims to connect Asia-Pacific higher education organizations with the rest of the world and devotes itself to the principles of mutual respect, diversity, and collective progress.

The next APAIE will be in March 2025 to be held in Delhi, India, with the theme: Cultivating Global Citizens for the Future: The Higher Education Imperative in the Asia Pacific and Beyond.

UNC Visits for ISO 21OO1:2018 EOMS Benchmarking Activity

UNC Visits for EOMS Benchmarking Activity.

UNC Visits for ISO 21OO1:2018 EOMS Benchmarking Activity

 

 

University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) representatives visited Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) on a two-day learning visit last April 3 to 4, 2024. This activity revolved around Mapúa MCL’s ISO 21001:2018 Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) standards, showcasing its growing reputation as a leading educational institution known for its commitment to excellence. The benchmarking initiative aimed to promote knowledge sharing and identify best practices to assist UNC in its journey towards ISO 21001:2018 EOMS accreditation.

The UNC IQA auditors were eager to understand Mapúa MCL’s approach to meeting EOMS standards. They collaborated with various colleges and departments and toured facilities to observe how EOMS standards are applied and implemented. This framework demonstrates Mapúa MCL’s dedication to establishing an efficient EOMS that interacts with different educational organizations and prioritizes learners, staff, and relevant interested parties.

By facilitating this knowledge exchange, Mapúa MCL isn’t just contributing to UNC’s improvement, but also potentially influencing the quality of education across the region. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the educational sector, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Championing Sustainability in Mapúa MCL: CSCE Organizes Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Championing Sustainability in Mapúa MCL: CSCE Organizes Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Championing Sustainability in Mapúa MCL: CSCE Organizes Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 

Article by: Edward Andrew A. Guese (CSCE)

Photos by: Glen Mark R. Maravillo (CAS) and Mapúa MCL CCO

 

From L-R: Angela Cecille C. Ortiz-Kare, Mylde Loraine L. de Guzman, Karylyn Kate R. Gan, Ma. Vanessa R. Velasco, Wella Dayne T. Tagle, Edward Andrew A. Guese, Christie C. Amores, Michelle A. Billones, Jocelyn T. Bellin, Asst. Prof. Mayo Grace C. Amit, Dr. Lito E. Suello, Engr. Jesuniño R. Aquino, Engr. Alexander Hamilton S. Atienza, Engr. Maribelle D. Pabiania, Dr. Hermie V. Articona, Angelito D. Platino, Dr. Roel C. Rodrigo, Joanna C. Bartolazo, Hernan Ernani R. Luis, and Dr. Jhona N. Gamez.

As part of the activities for CAS (College of Arts and Science) Week celebration, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s (Mapúa MCL) Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) organized a forum titled “One Sustainable Goal as One Mapúan Community: A Closer Look at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the Lens of the Academe” held at the Mapúa MCL Global Classroom on March 5, 2024. The forum oriented the Mapúa MCL Administrators and Faculty on the concepts of Sustainable Development, the SDGs, and the contribution and challenges of the HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in achieving the SDGs. The 17 SDGs of the United Nations (UN) are a global call to end poverty, protect our planet, eliminate discrimination against women and girls, and ensure that everyone can enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

 

CSCE Director Jocelyn T. Bellin moderated the first sustainability forum held at the Mapúa MCL Global Classroom.

 

The event was moderated by Ms. Jocelyn T. Bellin, the Director of CSCE, and was attended by over 50 administrators and faculty members of Mapúa MCL on-site and online (via Zoom). Among the attendees was Atty. Maria Eloisa R. Gan, the Senior Vice President for Administrative and Legal, who delivered the welcome remarks. To revisit the concept of the SDGs as the action points of the HEIs, CSCE invited Asst. Prof. Mayo Grace C. Amit from the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAfD) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). During her presentation, Prof. Amit discussed the historical context of the SDGs from a global and Philippine perspective and presented an assessment chart on how the world implemented the 17 goals. According to the 2023 statistical data, the Philippines was ranked 96th out of 166 countries in implementing the SDGs while 8 out of the 17 have sufficient indicators (at least 50% of the indicators) that satisfied the required data. She also gave an overview on how HEIs contribute to the SDGs through its tri-focal functions of instruction, research, and extension.

 

The forum’s resource person, Asst. Prof. Mayo Grace C. Amit, discussed the concept of the SDGs as action points of the HEIs.

 

Dr. Hermie V. Articona, the Director of the Research Promotion and Coordination Office (RPCO), discussed the SDG metrics and indicators and how they can be incorporated into the tri-focal functions of the HEIs. He used indicators from the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in his discussion. These rankings are the first of their kind to measure university progress towards the SDGs and serve as a catalyst for action, a mechanism for accountability, and a way to highlight great work being done by universities. Incorporating the SDGs to Mapúa MCL requires certain strategies to be implemented. For instruction, these strategies include integrating the SDGs into the curriculum, incorporating SDG-related content into syllabi and course materials, and designing class outputs, activities, and capstone projects with an SDG focus.

 

Mapúa MCL’s Research Director, Dr. Hermie V. Articona, discussed the SDG metrics using the THE Impact Rankings as indicators and how these can be incorporated into the tri-focal functions of the HEIs.

 

Regarding research, the strategies include aligning research projects and topics with SDG metrics and indicators, providing equipment and facilities for SDG-based research projects, conducting ideation activities and symposiums on SDGs, and boosting collaborations through research partnerships and involving various stakeholders. For extension, the strategies include aligning the service-learning and community engagement initiatives with the mentioned SDG metrics and THE indicators, boosting collaboration through community engagement initiatives, bringing stakeholders together in pursuing extension projects, and conducting capacity-building activities that would develop and improve the target communities and social groups.

Through the sustainability forum, the Mapúa MCL community deepened their understanding on how the institution can integrate sustainable goals into their core functions of teaching, research, and community engagement. This commitment fuels Mapúa MCL’s ongoing pursuit of SDGs and the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

BSBA students represent Mapúa MCL in the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture in Indonesia

BSBA students represent Mapúa MCL in the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture in Indonesia.

BSBA students represent Mapúa MCL in the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture in Indonesia

 

By: Zoe Grace Buergo

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) has always been true to its mission to provide a platform for the students to hone the skills and contribute to society’s solution to innovation. In line with its mission to promote academic excellence and global engagement, students from Mapúa MCL’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program recently made a remarkable mark at the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture (IYCLAC) held at Universitas Esa Unggul (UEU) in Indonesia last November 9-10, 2023. The conference, which was conducted in a hybrid format, was participated by 12 Mapúans  from the BSBA department, where two are present onsite and the others as virtual presenters.

 

 

The conference brought together talented student research presenters from around the world, enabling the young scholars to showcase innovative research and engage in meaningful discussions on language and culture with different nationalities from Indonesia, Panama, and the Philippines.

The two BSBA students chosen as onsite research presenters, Mark Laurens Corales and Princess Sarah Casas, represented Mapúa MCL with distinction and pride which the students’ research presentations delved into relevant business administration issues, demonstrating a deep understanding of the modern business challenges relating to m-commerce and consumer behavior. The student presenters engaged in lively discussions with the faculty and fellow delegates, fostering cross-cultural exchanges that enriched the overall conference experience.

 

 

Participating in an international youth conference is an exciting and enriching experience. As for Mark Laurens Corales, though it was not his first time to visit Indonesia and participate in an international conference, the feeling of excitement to showcase skills as Mapúans were still present at that time.

Though language barriers were present during the conference, Princess Sarah Casas stressed that the supportive atmosphere became the source of encouragement to engage more in a healthy discussion that allowed the presenters to broaden perspectives and gain new insights into the intricate relationship between language and culture.

Professor Donn Enrique Moreno, who accompanied the students to the conference, expressed pride in the students’ achievements: “Being involved in this kind of opportunity offers students a multitude of valuable gains. Active participation in an international conference tailored for students provides an unparalleled chance for academic and personal growth. Overall, this opportunity serves as a catalyst for holistic development, positioning students as competent, confident, and globally aware individuals in their academic and professional pursuits.”

 

 

The IYCLAC 2023 offered the BSBA students an exceptional opportunity to network with colleagues throughout the globe. By means of virtual networking events and cooperative discussions, the students from Mapúa MCL expanded their worldwide outlook and established significant relationships with other attendees.

Mapúa MCL recognize the BSBA students who participated in the 2nd IYCLAC, namely:

“The Impact of Mobile Characteristics on Customer-Perceived Experience and Customer Spending Habits in Shaping the Sustainable Development of the M-Commerce Industry,” presented by Mark Laurens Corales, Sheane Nicole Matias, Richard Carl Amboy, Jean Claude Corpuz, Ma. Bernice Bernales and Jaeron Carl Panzo, and the other group presented their research titled “The Impact of Personal Convenient Ordering on Consumer Behavior” by Princess Sarah Casas, Ricky Iv Dalisay, Ethan Sison, John Vincent Cajayon, John Lloyd Delos Santos, and Aliyah Beatriz Victoria Pocamas.

Mapúa MCL and UEU, Indonesia, both members of the Cintana Education Alliance, collaborated on the IYCLAC 2023. The BSBA students’ participation in the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture was not only evidence of their academic excellence but also of the enriching educational experience that aimed to demonstrate how Mapúa MCL equips the students to be built as professionals equipped for the global stage.