Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna

CCIS Dean joins 5th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab5) to champion AI and higher education innovation

CCIS Dean joins 5th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab5) to champion AI and higher education innovation.

CCIS Dean joins 5th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab5) to champion AI and higher education innovation

Mr. Khristian G. Kikuchi, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Science at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), has been selected to participate in the 5th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab5), a prestigious international program hosted by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). This year’s edition centers on the timely theme, “Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Ecosystems.”

Held from May 2 to June 27, 2024, ASEFInnoLab5 brings together a carefully selected group of higher education leaders from across Asia and Europe for a nine-week virtual peer-learning journey, culminating in an on-site session in Shanghai, China from October 21 to 25, 2024, for select participants. The program fosters cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of a joint position paper exploring universities’ contributions to the evolving AI landscape.

Dean Kikuchi’s nomination was endorsed by the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL) as part of Mapúa MCL’s efforts to promote internationalization and globalization of education outcomes. Assistant Vice-President for External Relations and Global Linkages Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina explained that “opportunities should be extended to Academic Leaders for them to share what we can say about AI. This is important in democratizing the academic discussion about it by opening avenues to share best practices. As I always say, local is global, and global is local. Hence, global issues will be more significant if local stakeholders contribute to the growing discourse.”

Reflecting on his experience, Dean Kikuchi shared, “Being part of ASEF InnoLab5 was challenging but really worth it. It took effort to join the online meetings every week and work on the position paper, but listening to the speakers taught me so much about how AI can help universities. The small group sessions also helped me see how useful AI is in different parts of our schools. Overall, I appreciate the importance of AI in improving both the administrative and academic operations in universities through this engagement.”

As part of the ASEFInnoLab5 initiative, Dean Kikuchi co-authored a position paper with Ms. Jessica Chagnard, Head of International Projects & Business Development at TBS Education in France, titled “AI Technology as an Accelerator of Multicultural Skills Development.” In their paper (pp. 119-124), they argue that AI, when thoughtfully applied, can foster intercultural understanding and strengthen global cooperation—provided it is implemented ethically and inclusively.

The paper introduces a four-scenario framework for the intersection of AI and multiculturalism, based on two key dimensions: equity of access to AI tools (high vs. low) and the design orientation of AI systems (human-centered vs. technology-centered):

  1. Positive Societal Impact (High Equity, Human-Centered): AI promotes personalized, inclusive learning grounded in empathy and global citizenship.
  2. Inclusive Multicultural Framework (High Equity, Tech-Centered): Broad access to AI boosts cross-cultural competency, though risks remain of shallow cultural engagement.
  3. Community-Centric Multiculturalism (Low Equity, Human-Centered): Limited access reinforces local biases and reduces opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
  4. Self-Determined Multiculturalism (Low Equity, Tech-Centered): A few dominant players shape global narratives, increasing the risk of cultural distortion.

To help higher education institutions navigate these futures, the authors propose four “no-regret” strategic moves: (1) support independent AI watchdogs and global ethical standards, (2) use AI to personalize learning experiences and promote digital well-being, (3) collaborate with technology providers to ensure practical, real-world applications, and (4) build international partnerships to co-develop and share culturally inclusive AI tools and resources.

The paper underscores that AI alone will not guarantee a more inclusive world but with intentional design and thoughtful academic leadership, universities can steer its development toward greater equity and cultural understanding. The call to action is clear: institutions must embed ethics, inclusivity, and global perspectives into every step of their AI strategies to prepare the next generation not just as tech-savvy professionals, but as globally aware and culturally competent leaders.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna remains firmly committed to these principles, continuously investing in technological innovation, global engagement, and responsible AI integration into teaching and learning methodologies. Assistant Vice President and Director of the AI Integration Office, Engr. Rolando V. Bitor, lauded the Mapùa MCL teams responsible for this initiative referring to it as a ”milestone”; that is, to be able to share insights at a global platform on the role of Universities in AI education. Engr. Bitor emphasizes that the academic community of Mapúa MCL is the primary driving force in integrating Artificial Intelligence into our Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS), and shared optimism that other similar endeavors will be pushed in the future.

As the institution embraces its role in shaping future-ready learners, it upholds its vision of developing competent professionals who are not only equipped with cutting-edge skills but also driven by empathy, ethics, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

Mapúa MCL invites fellow educators, researchers, and academic leaders to engage in dialogues, partnerships, and innovation initiatives that advance the responsible use of AI in higher education. Together, let us lead the transformation of our institutions into inclusive, future-focused, and globally connected learning communities.

Western Sydney University Benchmarking Visit

Western Sydney University Benchmarking Visit.

Western Sydney University Benchmarking Visit

As part of the ongoing Earth Month Celebration of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), Engr. Rolando V. Bitor, Director of the Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS), together with representatives of the other Mapúa Schools, namely Atty. Denise Jordan Arenillo of Mapúa University, and Ms. Marycon Delos Reyes and Mr. Leopoldo Aquino Jr. of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) are currently on a Benchmarking Visit at the Western Sydney University (WSU) in New South Wales, Sydney, Australia since Monday, April 7, 2025. WSU has been the #1 Ranked University in the Times Higher Education (THE) – Impact Rankings since 2022 up to the present (2024). The goal of the visit is to learn from WSU’s Sustainability Strategy and bring home ideas on how relevant WSU practices can be implemented at Mapúa MCL, giving the Sustainability Program a boost towards a significant leap forward.

The morning of benchmarking visit’s Day 1 (April 7) at the WSU-Hawkesbury campus has proven to be very productive with a series of presentations by the WSU hosts from the Office for Sustainability Education and Partnership hosts, Ms. Jen Dollin, Director, and Ms. Britanny Vermeulen, Program Manager, as well as from Dr. Garth Lean, Associate Dean for Engagement and International, School of Social Sciences. The Q&A sessions that proceeded after each presentation gave much insight into the Sustainability Strategy of WSU and the Sustainability culture ingrained in the administrators and staff that contributed much to the success of their Sustainability Strategy.

The afternoon experience of Day 1 proved to be as exciting and worthwhile also as the Mapúa team were given a tour by WSU’s dedicated staff, Rachel Mullinger and Jaimie Alchin, around the campus, particularly at the Cattle Farm of the College of Agriculture and inside the secured Biodiversity Stewardship Site. At these locations, the Mapúa team learned about how WSU’s on-campus facilities are contributing to the UN SDGs and what impact these contributions are making to the local community. The Mapúa team was also able to visit the Hawkesbury-Nepean river where Dr. Michelle Ryan is conducting research study of the river’s water quality, the diversity of life in the river and how locals can be encouraged to participate in maintaining the river clean and enjoyable. 

On Tuesday (April 8), Day 2 of the benchmarking visit, the Mapúa team viewed presentations from the Associate Deans, Senior Lecturers, Program Coordinators and Managers from the School of Science, School of Computing, Data and Mathematical Sciences, the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Center, and the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, namely, Prof. John Hunt, Dr. Sunil Panchal, Assoc. Prof. Ana Hol, Mr. Philip Sen and Ms. Sindhu Sheoran. Their presentation showed how the academic community of WSU has embedded Sustainability principles into their curricula and into the researches that are being carried out in their departments. The Mapúa team was also given the opportunity to visit the Smart Glasshouse research laboratories for monitoring factors affecting growth of vegetation and the Eucalyptus Free Air Climate Experiment (EucFACE) for observing the effect of overexposure to Carbon Dioxide of sections of forests.

It was also on Day 2 that the presentation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WSU and the Mapúa Schools was done. Professor Brian Stout, Pro Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching was present via Zoom meeting during the said simple ceremony.

Western Sydney University Benchmarking Visit.

On Day 3 and Day 4 (April 9 and 10) of their benchmarking visit, Engr. Bitor and the other members of the Mapúa contingent are set to visit the WSU-Parramatta campus and see the other facilities there that contribute to WSU’s ranking as #1 in Sustainability. The Parramatta campus is around 40 kms away from the Hawkesbury campus and can be accessed via train, bus or the river cat.

HERitage Walk: Celebrating Women and History

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

HERitage Walk: Celebrating Women and History

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) proudly hosted the “HERitage Walk: Women + History” on March 19, 2025. This collaborative event, organized by the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) and the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL), provided an opportunity for the institution’s female employees to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Philippines.

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

The day-long activity featured guided tours of Fort Santiago, the National Museum, and the Yuchengco Museum. Participants experienced an immersive journey through the nation’s past, gaining insights into significant historical events, prominent figures, and the enduring legacy of Philippine culture.

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

Each stop on the heritage walk offered a deeper appreciation of the country’s resilience and spirit. From the stories of colonial resistance to the celebration of indigenous artistry and modern contributions to the arts, attendees gained a broader understanding of the Philippines’ dynamic history.

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, the HERitage Walk also emphasized the importance of inclusive representation in historical narratives. By encouraging the exploration of the nation’s past, the event fostered a greater sense of cultural pride and unity among participants.

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

The event concluded with participants reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the day, inspired by the resilience and strength embedded in the country’s history. As Mapúa MCL continues to champion initiatives that promote education and cultural awareness, the HERitage Walk stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to honoring and preserving the nation’s heritage.

HERitage Walk Celebrating Women and History.

Global Strategic Partnerships Finalized in Delhi, India

Global Strategic Partnerships Finalized in Delhi, India.

Global Strategic Partnerships Finalized in Delhi, India

By: Cinderella Manalang

At the sides of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2025 Conference and Exhibition held in Delhi, India, from March 24 to 28, 2025, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) inked several partnerships with universities for global engagement and collaboration.

Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were formalized and signed between Mapúa MCL and the following partner universities:

Northcap University is located in Gurugram, one of the start-up hubs of India. The MOU was signed last March 24, 2025 at the Northcap University Campus with Commodore Diwakar Tomar (NM) Retd., Registrar; Prof. Sharda Vashisth, Deputy Dean of International Affairs and Head of Multidisciplinary Engineering; Dr. Manoj Kumar Gopaliya, Dean of Academic Affairs; Prof. Swaran Ahuja, Advisor of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Pooja Sabharwal, Coordinator of International Affairs., representing the Indian university and Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages representing Mapúa MCL.

On March 25, 2025, additional MOUs were signed with Chandigarh Group of Colleges and Presidency University. Representing Chandigarh Group of Colleges were Mr. Asimjot Singh Chahal, Head of the Department of International Affairs, and Mr. Sarbjit Singh, Manager of the same department, while Dr. Sivaperumal Sampath, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of International Relations, represented Presidency University. On March 26, 2025, agreements were formalized with Üsküdar University, represented by Gürkan Dinçer, Erasmus and Exchange Program Manager, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), represented by Assoc. Prof. Unggul Wasiwitono. The partnership with Chandigarh University was finalized on March 27, 2025, with Dr. Rajan Sharma, Executive Director for International Affairs, signing on its behalf. These ceremonial MOU signings were held at the Yashoboomi Convention Center in Dwarka, India, where Mapúa MCL participated as an exhibitor in the Asia Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Expo and Conference, reinforcing its commitment to global academic collaborations.

Prof. James Ronald Mesina shared optimism that these MOUs will be the start of a meaningful collaboration with these universities from three Asian countries that will focus on research, student and faculty mobility, and potential transnational education activities in Engineering, Information Technology, and Communication disciplines.

According to the head of Mapúa MCL’s Office for External Relations and Global Linkages, there are ‘low-hanging fruits’ in internationalization that we can grab with these partner universities stressing that colleges can always be creative in delivering their curriculum in teaching and learning. For instance, curricular programs on research and development of capstone projects in Engineering and IT, may be globalized by inviting foreign partners who are experts in these fields as panelists and technical evaluators. In this sense, we participate in home-based internationalization activities as defined by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 55, Series of 2016 that sets the policy framework for internationalization among higher education institutions in the country.

Moreover, academic seminars and conferences may also be globalized by putting in international lecturers from partner universities as speakers. Faculty members of partner universities are also willing to collaborate in jointly supervising students’ thesis and research activities.

“At the end of the day, internationalization is about enriching the teaching and learning experience by maximizing the use of available technology and expertise of our collaborators. Our stakeholders such as the faculty members, students, alumni, and school administrators must grab these opportunities to take our programs to greater heights in getting to Mapúa MCL’s vision of being a global steeple of excellence in professional education and research,” Prof. Mesina added.

For more information about collaborative partnerships and global engagement, interested parties may contact the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages through email: [email protected].

Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi

Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi.

Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi

By: Pearl Stephanie D. Ulep

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) proudly participated in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2025 Conference and Exhibition, representing the Philippines on the global stage. Held in Delhi, India, from March 24 to 28, 2025, the event provided an opportunity for the institution to showcase its dedication to international collaboration and innovative education.

With representatives from the Office of External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL) and the Office for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), Mapúa MCL showcased its efforts in fostering a culture of global citizenship among students and faculty. Through meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing, the institution reinforced its dedication to shaping globally competent learners and strengthening partnerships that drive educational innovation.

In “Reinforcing Team Teaching through Global Signature Courses,” Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages, and Ms. Pearl Stephanie Ulep, Director for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement, shared how Mapúa MCL is breaking educational boundaries with Global Signature Courses (GSCs). These courses, offered in Business and Health Sciences through the Cintana Education, bring together multi-instructor, cross-border learning experiences. By integrating diverse global perspectives, GSCs provide students with an immersive, interdisciplinary education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. The presentation posed a thought-provoking question: “What if learning had no borders?” and explored how institutions can make education truly collaborative and globally relevant. 

Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi.
Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi.

Meanwhile, in “Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals and Student Mobility,” Prof. Mesina and Ms. Ivana Ruth C. Vidal, Program Assistant for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement, tackled the growing significance of purpose-driven education. Their discussion focused on the shifting trends in student mobility within the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the role of service-learning in shaping responsible global citizens. They emphasized how even small initiatives can contribute to large-scale sustainable solutions, inspiring students to embrace a “think global, act local” mindset. By participating in international learning experiences, students develop the skills and perspectives necessary to become proactive global citizens, capable of addressing pressing global challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.

Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi.
Mapúa MCL Highlights Global Education Initiatives at APAIE 2025 in Delhi.

Shaping the Future of Higher Education and Global Citizenship 

These presentations underscored Mapúa MCL’s commitment to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its academic programs. By embedding sustainability principles in student mobility programs and Global Signature Courses, the institution is shaping a new generation of learners who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and globally engaged. Encouraging critical thinking, cultural competence, and a sense of shared responsibility, Mapúa MCL prepares students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected world.

Looking ahead, Mapúa MCL aims to strengthen collaborations with ASEAN institutions, expand service-learning opportunities, and encourage students to take part in initiatives that create meaningful impact. With education as a powerful tool for change, the institution envisions a future where learning is a shared, borderless experience that unites communities across the globe and cultivates global citizens who champion inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperation.

Through its active participation in APAIE 2025, Mapúa MCL reaffirms its role as a leader in international education—committed to academic excellence, sustainability, global engagement, and the development of responsible global citizens.

For more information about collaborative partnerships and global engagement, interested parties may contact the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages through email: [email protected]. 

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition.

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition

By: Ivana Ruth Vidal 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence through its active participation in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2025 Conference and Exhibition. Held from March 24 to 28 at the Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) in New Delhi, India, this prestigious event brought together educational leaders from around the globe to discuss and promote international education initiatives.

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition.

With the theme Cultivating Global Citizens for the Future: The Higher Education Imperative in the Asia Pacific and Beyond, APAIE 2025 provided a platform for institutions to exchange insights and establish new partnerships that shape the future of higher education. Representing Mapúa MCL were Prof. James Ronald Mesina, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Global Linkages (OERGL), Ms. Pearl Stephanie Ulep, Director for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE), and Ms. Ivana Ruth Vidal, Program Assistant for Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement (OSPGE). 

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition.

During the conference, Mapúa MCL achieved significant milestones by formalizing partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with six reputable institutions: Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Chandigarh University, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Presidency University, The NorthCap University, and Üsküdar University. These partnerships aim to foster student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and joint academic programs.

In addition to forging new alliances, Mapúa MCL engaged in productive discussions regarding Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives and explored potential collaborations with the French university, Institut Polytechnique des Sciences Avancées, to enhance its aviation programs.

The institution also reinforced its ongoing partnerships with esteemed universities such as Sunway University (Malaysia), Binus University (Indonesia), Management and Science University (Malaysia), Chitkara University (India), King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (Thailand), and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (Malaysia). These efforts have paved the way for several engagements now being arranged for students and faculty, including exchange programs, collaborative projects, and virtual learning opportunities. 

Mapúa MCL also took the opportunity to meet with Rick Shaw, President of Cintana Education, further solidifying connections within the global education community.

Throughout APAIE 2025, Mapúa MCL remained actively engaged in insightful conversations and strategic networking, further advancing its mission of providing transformative and globally oriented learning experiences for students and faculty. 

This commitment to global partnerships and inclusive, quality education aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering international collaboration and broadening educational access, Mapúa MCL continues to contribute to the achievement of these global objectives. 

Mapúa MCL Strengthens Global Presence at APAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition.

For more information on Mapúa MCL’s global initiatives, please contact the Office for External Relations and Global Linkages at [email protected]. 

Ranked in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024

UI Green Metric.

UI Green Metric.

UI Green Metric.

 

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna ranked in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024, placing in Rank 55 within the Philippines, and in Rank 1182 out of 1,477 institutions across 95 countries worldwide.

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is dedicated to assessing the sustainability performance of institutions. This year’s theme is “Instituting UI GreenMetric World University Rankings: The Way Forward.”

 

Sustainable Success: Shaping Tomorrow, Today!

Sustainable Success.

Sustainable Success: Shaping Tomorrow, Today!

by: Gladysma Kate E. Ruga

Every school year, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s (Mapúa MCL) Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC) spearheads a Career Program designed specifically for Senior High School (SHS) students. The primary goal of this program is to empower students in making informed and sustainable career choices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for long-term success.

For the current academic year, S.Y. 2024-2025, the CGC, in collaboration with Mapúa MCL Senior High School and SPARK (Supporting Peers Advocating for Resilience and Kindness), organized a week-long SHS Career Program with the inspiring theme: Sustainable Success: Shaping Tomorrow, Today! True to its theme, this series of activities aims to proactively guide SHS students as they navigate their career paths and make critical decisions about their future. Recognizing the importance of these formative years, the program provides a platform for students to prepare for their professional journeys, laying the foundation for their eventual success, aiming to achieve SDG 4 (Quality Education)

On February 24, 2025, the SHS Career Program began with a lively event, the Career Path and Passion: Career Dress-up Competition. This activity served as a dynamic and engaging start to the week-long program. The Haus played a significant role in preparing the students for this competition by teaching them the basics of modeling, which allowed participants to confidently showcase their distinctive catwalk skills while wearing sustainable career-inspired outfits.

In the Grade 11 category, the winning sections were S1111 in first place, S1108 in second place, and S1101 in third place. Similarly, the Grade 12 participants showcased their creativity and skills, with S1210 claiming first place, I1203 securing second place, and A1202 earning third place. This vibrant and memorable opening event not only celebrated the students’ creativity, talent, and individuality but also reinforced the significance of sustainability in career representation. It set an exciting and inspiring tone for the rest of the activities planned throughout the program.

On February 24, 2025, alongside the Career Dress-up Competition, the Career Creative Fun Shot Contest officially began accepting entries from all Senior High School students. This contest provided a platform for students to express their artistic creativity and photography skills by capturing images that showcased sustainable career-inspired outfits. After careful evaluation by a panel of esteemed judges, S1107 from Grade 11 and S1212 from Grade 12 emerged as the well-deserved first-prize winners.

This event not only celebrated the talents of SHS students but also emphasized the importance of sustainability in career representation through the lens of photography.

Sustainable Success.

Another highlight of Career Week was the seminar titled “Sustainable Success: Shaping Tomorrow, Today!” held on February 26 and 28, 2025 (Wednesday and Friday). The seminar featured Ms. Mariz P. Borgoños-Pales, RGC, RPm, a renowned mental health advocate and the event’s esteemed keynote speaker. Her expertise and engaging delivery left a lasting impact on the students, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values and skills with meaningful career paths.

Complementing Ms. Mariz’s session, speakers from the Admissions Office (ADO) provided an informative segment about the opportunities available at Mapúa MCL. They highlighted various aspects of the institution, including career programs, facilities, scholarship offerings, and additional benefits designed to support students in achieving their goals. The seminar concluded with an inspiring message from Prof. Angelito D. Platino, the SAO Director, encouraging students to align their aspirations with the S.H.A.P.E. framework for sustainable success.

In addition to the exciting events previously mentioned, the Senior High School (SHS) students had the opportunity to participate in the Career Booth: “Career Tour: Pathways in Shaping the Future” held on Thursday, February 27, 2025. This interactive event allowed various college organizations to showcase their programs in creative and engaging ways. By designing visually appealing booths and presenting their achievements and outputs, the organizations provided SHS students with valuable insights into the academic and extracurricular opportunities offered at MMCL.

The Career Booth event served as an excellent platform for students to explore potential programs that align with their interests and aspirations, helping them make well-informed decisions about their future academic paths.

Sustainable Success.

Lastly, to ensure that Senior High School (SHS) students remain engaged even beyond the conclusion of Career Week, the CGC published the BBL Ultra Module (MHPSS) titled “Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow: A Mental Health and Psychosocial Support”. This comprehensive module serves as an invaluable resource, specifically designed to guide SHS students in shaping their career paths. It provides essential information on making informed decisions and introduces effective career mapping techniques, empowering students to take proactive steps toward their future goals. By integrating mental health and psychosocial support, the module emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being in achieving sustainable success.

Bringing Joy and Gratitude: Mapúa MCL Volunteers Celebrate the Holidays with Aeta Families in Porac

Bringing Joy and Gratitude Mapúa MCL Volunteers Celebrate the Holidays with Aeta Families in Porac.

Bringing Joy and Gratitude: Mapúa MCL Volunteers Celebrate the Holidays with Aeta Families in Porac

Bringing Joy and Gratitude Mapúa MCL Volunteers Celebrate the Holidays with Aeta Families in Porac.

Embodying the true spirit of the holidays and gift-giving, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) volunteers participated in a four-day community engagement series, “At the Frontlines of Social Responsibility: A Community Engagement Series,” held on December 13–15 and 23, 2024. Organized annually by the Office for Strategic Partnership and Global Engagement (OSPGE), the event aimed to support the Aeta community in Barrio Pasbul, Porac, Pampanga. 

The initiative began with the Bayanihan Bingo Card Challenge, an activity where volunteers filled bingo cards with essential items donated by generous donors. This initiative fostered the Filipino value of bayanihan (communal unity) and resulted in donations being carefully packaged into gift bundles for 140 families. Each family also received a “Team-ba” (Timba or pail) filled with necessities, distributed house-to-house by volunteers. Adding to the festive spirit, the volunteers serenaded the families with Christmas carols during the distribution, creating a joyful atmosphere. 

The community engagement officially kicked off with an interactive program hosted by the Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC). The program introduced and emphasized the importance of gratitude through fun games and engaging activities, setting a positive and reflective tone for the series. 

On the second day, students and volunteers from the College of Health Sciences conducted another interactive activity, reiterating the significance of being thankful. This thoughtful session encouraged the community to embrace gratitude as a powerful and unifying value.

Each day of the series featured a feeding program, ensuring that nutritious meals were shared with the community members. Throughout the event, more than 700 individuals were provided with warm and nourishing meals. This consistent effort underscored the initiative’s commitment to addressing hunger and promoting well-being among the Aeta families. 

The series culminated on December 23 with a celebration that included a recollection and a Bible study session. This final activity provided an opportunity for reflection, spiritual enrichment, and a deeper sense of community. The collaborative efforts of Mapúa MCL Volunteers not only brought holiday cheer to the Aeta families but also left a lasting impact, reinforcing the values of gratitude, unity, and compassion in a season of giving.

Mapúa MCL Volunteers Bring Holiday Cheer to Pansipit, Agoncillo, Batangas Evacuation Site

Mapúa MCL Volunteers Bring Holiday Cheer to Pansipit, Agoncillo, Batangas Evacuation Site.

Mapúa MCL Volunteers Bring Holiday Cheer to Pansipit, Agoncillo, Batangas Evacuation Site

Mapúa MCL Volunteers Bring Holiday Cheer to Pansipit, Agoncillo, Batangas Evacuation Site.

In the true spirit of the holidays, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’s (Mapúa MCL) Office for Strategic Partnership and Global Engagement (OSPGE) led a meaningful community engagement initiative on December 20, 2024. Volunteers from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) visited an evacuation site in Pansipit, Agoncillo, Batangas, where 87 families continue to reside months after the devastating impact of Typhoon Kristine. 

The event aimed to bring the affected families hope, joy, and relief during the festive season. Volunteers organized fun and interactive activities for the children, creating moments of laughter and play to lighten their spirits. Alongside these activities, they distributed snacks and toys, ensuring that each child felt the season’s warmth.

In addition to the recreational efforts, Mapúa MCL provided much-needed donations, including essential supplies, which are expected to support the day-to-day needs of the evacuees. The gesture exemplified the institution’s commitment to fostering solidarity and compassion within communities in need. 

As the event drew to a close, the volunteers gathered to reflect on the experience, sharing heartfelt realizations about the value of service and the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the community and contribute positively to their lives.