QCU Designated as NCR IRO Focal Institution for SDG Initiatives
Quezon City University (QCU) was designated as the focal institution for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)–related initiatives during the NCR International Relations Community Officers (IRO) Kick-Off Meeting held on 26 February 2026 at Life Academy International College in Ortigas, Pasig City.
The meeting gathered around 16 International Relations Officers and representatives from 14 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the National Capital Region (NCR) to formally organize the NCR IRO community and align institutional internationalization efforts with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Strategic Framework for 2025–2030.
The session opened with a briefing by Ms. Geoselle D. Berdan, Regional Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Officer and TNHE Unit Team Lead, who emphasized the importance of collaboration among NCR HEIs to strengthen internationalization initiatives and ensure alignment with CHED’s long-term strategic goals. Discussions highlighted key priorities under the CHED framework, including policy and systems strengthening, increased global visibility of Philippine HEIs, enhanced student mobility, and reinforced ASEAN engagement.
A major highlight of the meeting was the establishment of interim leadership for the NCR IRO community. Representatives elected officers to guide the network as it moves toward formal organization. In addition, participants agreed to designate QCU as the focal institution for SDG-related initiatives, recognizing the University’s role in advancing sustainability-driven internationalization efforts within the region.
Participants also discussed the formation of a formal NCR-based professional organization for International Relations Officers, drawing inspiration from existing regional groups. While several name proposals were presented, further deliberation on this matter was deferred to the next meeting.
The group agreed to reconvene on 26 March 2026 at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) to finalize organizational matters and outline priority programs. CHED also shared updates on upcoming internationalization activities, including a series of International Networking Engagements (INZ events) scheduled around April or July, the next CHED NCR IRO Assembly in November, and the encouragement of HEIs to actively celebrate ASEAN Month every August to promote regional engagement. #SustainableDevelopmentGoals
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