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LCUP Rises on the Global Stage: Dr. Santos Represents University at AppliedHE Xchange Conference in Malaysia
We are proud to announce that Dr. Nicanor C. Santos, Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning of La Consolacion University Philippines, represented LCUP at the AppliedHE Xchange Conference held last November 27–28, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This participation is even more meaningful as LCUP recently achieved a significant milestone—ranking Top 240 among universities in ALL ASIA, a testament to the university’s commitment to quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The AppliedHE Xchange Conference gathered education leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the region to explore emerging trends in higher education, including digital transformation, quality assurance, and the strengthening of lifelong learning ecosystems. Dr. Santos actively engaged in these conversations, gaining valuable perspectives and fostering international connections that will help enhance LCUP’s continuing education and lifelong learning initiatives.
His attendance reflects LCUP’s drive to stay globally linked and future-ready, ensuring that its programs remain responsive to international standards and the evolving needs of learners.
Congratulations, Dr. Santos, for proudly representing LCUP on the international stage and for contributing to the university’s mission of delivering innovative, transformative, and globally relevant education.
LCUP Administrators Shine at ACE2025 in Tokyo, Pushing Global Academic Collaboration
TOKYO, JAPAN — A delegation of six middle administrators from La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) is making a significant mark at the prestigious Asian Conference on Education 2025 (ACE2025), being held at the Toshi Center Hotel in Tokyo from November 23–29, 2025.
Organized by the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), the conference serves as a vital platform for the LCUP administrators to present their research and actively pursue new avenues for global engagement.
The participation of the middle administrators—key figures in LCUP’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning—is a deliberate move aligned with the University’s intensified internationalization endeavors. By engaging with a diverse global academic community, LCUP aims to enhance the quality and global relevance of its educational offerings.
A primary goal of the delegation’s attendance is to explore potential academic and research collaboration and partnership with other participating foreign universities. The conference provides an invaluable networking environment to initiate dialogues with institutions that share LCUP's commitment to excellence in education.
The six administrators presented their respective research papers, showcasing LCUP’s commitment to evidence-based practice and scholarly output. These presentations cover a wide range of educational topics, reflecting the diverse expertise within the University’s administrative ranks and adding Filipino perspectives to the international discourse on education.
Among the featured research presentations are:
"Leadership Styles of Academic Heads at LCUP: Navigating AI Integration"
by Enrico F. Rosales, PhD – Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization;
Paul Benedick M. Mora, DBA – Dean, College of Entrepreneurship and Accountancy;
Jennylou Dela Rosa, RPsy, RPm, M.Sc. – Program Head, Psychology Program
"Admissions Profile as Predictors of Academic Performance in a New Medical School"
by Maria Lourdes Cervantes, DBA – University Registrar;
Ma. Cristina E. Zulueta, MD, PhD – Dean, College of Medicine
"Grounding a Quality Assurance Framework from the Perspectives and Experiences of Deans from PAASCU Level III and IV Accredited Medical Schools"
by Ma. Cristina E. Zulueta, MD, PhD – Dean, College of Medicine
"Embracing Aging Through Lived Experience: Elderly Fulfilment Narratives as Foundations for Educational and Community-Based Interventions"
by Jennylou Dela Rosa, RPsy, RPm, M.Sc. – Program Head, Psychology Program
"Optimizing Board Exam Performance in the BS Medical Technology Program: Basis for Action Plan"
by Joseph Erol T. Cuevas, RN, PhD – Dean, College of Allied Medical Professions
LCUP Delegates Join ASEAN Leaders at AUN-QA 2025 to Strategize for Higher Education Resilience
La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) joined prominent higher education leaders and quality assurance (QA) experts from across the ASEAN region at the AUN-QA International Conference 2025, held from November 5–6, 2025, at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The pivotal two-day event centered on the timely and critical theme, “Fortifying Higher Education: Strategic QA for Resilience and Institutional Immunity in ASEAN.” The conference focused on developing innovative strategies essential for strengthening institutional endurance and ensuring sustained educational excellence throughout the region.
The gathering served as a vital platform for deep discussion and collaborative strategizing among delegates committed to addressing the evolving challenges in the educational landscape. Core discussions focused intensely on how to build robust QA systems capable of effectively adapting to rapid global shifts, technological advancements, and unforeseen crises.
Representing La Consolacion University Philippines were four key academic and administrative figures:
Dr. Olivia P. Almario, Dean, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
Dr. Ma. Elizabeth Vivar, Director of Alternative Education
Ms. Recie Castro, Director of Human Resource Development
Ms. Aira Javier, Faculty Member, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
The comprehensive program featured a series of insightful plenary sessions, vibrant best practice exchanges, and collaborative discussions. These sessions thoroughly explored how strategic QA processes can effectively build institutional immunity, enabling universities to not only withstand disruption but also to leverage challenges for sustained growth and continuous improvement.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants unanimously reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a dynamic culture of quality, resilience, and innovation within their respective institutions. This collective commitment aims to ensure that higher education in the ASEAN region remains competitive, highly accessible, and of the highest international standard. The successful conclusion of the AUN-QA International Conference 2025 marks a significant collaborative step forward in enhancing the long-term sustainability and quality assurance of higher education institutions throughout ASEAN, with LCUP playing an active role in shaping this regional agenda.
La Consolacion University Philippines at the 2025 WURI Global Conference in Busan
La Consolacion University Philippines proudly takes part in the Conference on the Purpose of the University: To Inspire the Governance, Culture, and People of the Organization, held at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy, from October 29 to 31, 2025.
The University is represented by Sr. Jennifer Dela Cruz, OSA, PhD, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Dr. Jay Mark B. Santos, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Mark Rey Santos, Vice President for Research and Innovation.
The conference gathers university leaders, professors, and researchers from around the world to engage in a meaningful dialogue on the mission and future of Catholic higher education. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how universities can inspire governance, strengthen institutional culture, and form people rooted in purpose and service. The event features keynote sessions, practical case studies, and roundtable discussions that promote collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
As part of this momentous occasion, participants will also join the Meeting of Pope Leo XIV, and the Celebration of the Eucharist for the World of Education at St. Peter’s Basilica.
This participation marks another meaningful step for LCUP in its ongoing commitment to global engagement and Catholic educational excellence, affirming its dedication to foster transformative learning experiences that transcend borders and cultures.
La Consolacion University Philippines at the 2025 WURI Global Conference in Busan
La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) is grateful to have taken part in the 2025 WURI Global Conference in Busan, South Korea. University President Sr. Niceta Vargas, OSA, and Dr. Ma. Cristina Zulueta, Dean of the College of Medicine, represented the institution in this gathering of academic, industry, and policy leaders dedicated to advancing innovative practices in higher education.
At the conference, LCUP humbly presented its “Augustinian Doctors with Compassionate Hearts” curriculum, which earned the university a place in the Top 42 of the Ethics and Integrity category of the WURI rankings. This recognition is a blessing that reflects LCUP’s continuing effort to nurture professionals who embody the Augustinian value of caritas (love and compassion) and the Marian spirit of humility and service.
On the first day, Sr. Vargas shared her reflections as reactor-discussant during the President’s Session on Ethics and Integrity, emphasizing the role of faith-based values in shaping responsible leadership. On the second day, Dr. Zulueta highlighted the unique features of LCUP’s Doctor of Medicine program, focusing on its mission to form doctors who serve with both competence and compassion.
The conference also opened opportunities for dialogue and collaboration. University leaders from around the world shared their innovations and best practices, resonating with LCUP’s commitment to unitas (unity) and its desire to continue learning from others in the spirit of humility.
Another meaningful moment was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Tongmyong University, which lays the foundation for future student and faculty exchanges. This partnership affirms LCUP’s openness to building relationships that enrich the learning and cultural experiences of its community.
As LCUP reflects on these opportunities, it remains deeply mindful that every recognition is not only an achievement but also a responsibility. Guided by its Augustinian-Marian identity, truth (veritas), love (caritas), and unity (unitas), the university strives to serve with compassion, walk in humility, and dedicate all its endeavors unto God!
LCUP Takes Part in Digital Universities Asia 2025
Hong Kong | July 8–9, 2025
Representatives from La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) recently participated in the Digital Universities Asia 2025 conference held at Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Representing the university were Mr. Ezekiel Rodriguez, Director for Digital Technology and Communications, and Ms. Ma. Kathleen Kay Rodriguez, Coordinator of the Early Childhood Education Program and Program Head of the Education Program under the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education.
Organized by Times Higher Education, the event gathered over 300 participants from more than 90 universities and 140 organizations across Asia. This year’s theme, “Powering Social Innovation with Digital Transformation,” brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how institutions can responsibly and effectively integrate technology into teaching, research, and operations.
The two-day program featured panel discussions, workshops, roundtables, and a Start-up Village that showcased cutting-edge educational technologies. Key topics included digital-first pedagogies, artificial intelligence in education, building inclusive and sustainable digital campuses, and the use of high-performance computing to support research and innovation.
Mr. and Ms. Rodriguez took part in several of these sessions, where they gained valuable insights from experts and institutional leaders on how digital transformation is being implemented across different contexts. Their engagement with the Start-up Village also offered fresh perspectives on how technology can be leveraged to support both academic delivery and administrative efficiency.
Their attendance served as an opportunity to learn from global best practices and reflect on how LCUP can continue to enhance its digital initiatives and academic programs, ensuring these remain relevant, inclusive, and future-ready.
LCUP reaffirms its commitment to innovation and lifelong learning, anchored in its mission to provide transformative, accessible, and holistic education in service of the community and the Church.
In Deum!
LCUP Leaders Represent University at AUN Qualifications Excellence Forum in Bangkok
La Consolacion University Philippines is pleased to announce that the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosalyn Galvez, and the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Ruth Malabiga, represented the University at the AUN Qualifications Excellence (AUN‑QEx) Forum held from June 25–27, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The AUN‑QEx, organized by the ASEAN University Network in association with SEAMEO RIHED, is a regional initiative that empowers higher education institutions to design future‑ready, internationally comparable degree programs. The forum focused on aligning three key elements across ASEAN: what students learn (Programme Learning Outcomes), how they are assessed (Authentic Assessment), and how much effort is expected (Student Workload).
Through this masterclass — the first training conducted directly by the AUN Secretariat — participants will be introduced to advanced tools and strategies to modernize curriculum design, develop assessments that reflect real‑world skills, manage student workload effectively, and highlight their institution’s unique identity within globally recognized qualifications.
Guided by the Augustinian ideals of Unitas, Caritas, and Veritas, this initiative will further reaffirm La Consolacion University Philippines’ commitment to providing quality education that forms the mind, strengthens the community, and inspires service for the greater glory of God.
LCUP Students Participate in Future Action Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
Two dedicated students from La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) are currently representing the institution at the Future Action Summit 2025, taking place from April 25-28, 2025, in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ms. Shakira Joy M. Samortañez, a junior AB Psychology student from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE), and Ms. Mhikyla Elaine C. Reyes, a Grade 11 Senior High School student, are participating in the four-day international summit organized by Echo Change. Ms. Mhikyla C. Reyes, SHS-Grade 11 student was awarded as one of the Future SDGs Champion Awardees given by Echo Change during the Future Action Summit 2025.
The Future Action Summit 2025 is dedicated to empowering and training young leaders from around the world to accelerate progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This significant global event brings together a diverse group of youth activists, changemakers, UN officials, social entrepreneurs, young political leaders, government representatives, policymakers, and SDG advocates.
LCUP's External Affairs and Internationalization (EAIZN) Office plays a crucial role in fostering global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding within the university. Student mobility programs, such as participation in this summit, are a key strategy in LCUP's broader internationalization efforts. The university is committed to providing its students with valuable international experiences and fostering a welcoming environment for students from around the world, thereby enriching its academic and cultural landscape.
Dr. Enrico F. Rosales, the Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization, is accompanying Ms. Samortañez and Ms. Reyes to the summit.
LCUP Take Part in the AppliedHE Xchange Manila Workshop 2025
The University President Sr. Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, PhD together with Dr. Enrico F. Rosales, the Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization (EAIZN), and Dr. Mercedez M. Haz, the Director of Library Information Center (LIC) attended the AppliedHE Xchange Manila Workshop 2025 held in The Bellevue Hotel from February 27-28.
This exclusive gathering is designed to provide the participants with innovative insights, hands-on strategies, and meaningful connections to help the institution strengthen its internationalization efforts through alumni engagement, strategic partnerships, and employability-driven initiatives.
This year’s workshop is particularly exciting as it aligns with the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation’s (PACUCOA) newly introduced Electronic Self-Survey Instrument, which places greater emphasis on graduate employability, alumni tracking, and soft skills development.
Through the workshop, the LCUP administrators explored how the university can not only meet these new accreditation requirements but also leverage them to enhance its reputation, employer relationships, and global impact.
During the Opening Program, PACUCOA Chairman Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo Jr. and Ms. Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedHE Singapore, delivered the Welcome Remarks and met the delegates.
AppliedHE Xchange: UNS@Bali 2025 Co-Hosted by Universitas Sebalas Maret (UNS)
The AppliedHE Xchange: UNS@Bali 2025, co-hosted by Universitas Sebalas Marte (UNS) was held at February 23 to 25, 2025 at the InterContinental Bali Resort. This event bought together global educators, researchers, and policymakers to explore possible partnerships and further collaborations for shaping the future for education.
PUBLICATIONS | LCUP joins AppliedHE Xchange 2025 in Bali, Indonesia
La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP), represented by Dr. Mark Rey Santos, Vice President for Research and Innovation, actively participated in the AppliedHE Xchange: UNS 2025, held from February 23 to 25 at the Intercontinental Resort in Bali, Indonesia.
This prestigious event convened university leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of higher education and its implications for economic growth.
LCUP's involvement underscores its commitment to fostering global partnerships, advancing research and innovation, and enhancing its stature in international academic excellence.
LCUP Administrators attend the AUN-QA Tier 1 Training in Bangkok, Thailand
Dr. Enrico F. Rosales, the Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization, and Dr. Jay Mark B. Santos, the Director for Academic Quality Assurance are currently attending the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) training in Bangkok Thailand from January 21-24, 2025.
AUN-QA System was initiated in 1998. Since its inception, the system has been put into practice within the leading AUN Member Universities. Today, the System has developed and thrived to become a robust quality assurance system. With sophisticated and well-trained human resources, the AUN-QA is gaining international recognition in higher education institutions region wide. ASEAN University Network strongly believes that a successful regional higher education development cannot be acquired without simultaneous and collective development. As such, AUN is highly determined to expand the AUN-Quality Assurance to non-AUN member universities and institutions. The participants will be required to attend at least 80 % of the total class time to receive the certificate of participation from AUN-QA.
After completing the training, the participants will be able to:
describe the AUN-QA programme assessment process
explain each of the AUN-QA criteria for programme assessment
apply the AUN-QA requirements to an academic programme
perform a gap analysis for programme improvement
Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference National University of Singapore (NUS)
On January 16, 2025, University President Sister Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, PhD, together with Dr. Ma. Cristina Zulueta, Dean of the College of Medicine, participated in the prestigious Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference (APMEC) 2025 at the National University of Singapore. This year’s theme, “Developing a Holistic Healthcare Practitioner for a Sustainable Future,” brought together a global network of healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers to share insights on the evolving landscape of medical education.
LCUP’s Takeaways from APMEC 2025
The conference offered a wealth of knowledge on integrating physical, mental, and social well-being into healthcare education, emphasizing the importance of interprofessional collaboration and sustainable healthcare strategies. These insights resonate deeply with LCUP’s mission as the only Catholic university in Bulacan offering medical education.
By embracing these key takeaways, LCUP strengthens its commitment to producing Augustinian Physicians with a Compassionate Heart. The university remains steadfast in its promise to nurture medical professionals who are not only skilled but also grounded in empathy, holistic care, and a deep sense of service to humanity.
ASEAN University Network (AUN) International Conference 2024
The University President, Sister Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, together with the Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Internationalization, Dr. Enrico Rosales, is currently attending the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) International Conference 2024 at Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The AUN-QA Network serves as the ASEAN quality assurance network in higher education, dedicated to promoting quality assurance, raising academic standards, and enhancing education, research, and service among its member universities. It collaborates with regional and international bodies to benefit the ASEAN community and advocates for a holistic approach to quality assurance in higher education.
LCUP's participation underscores the university’s commitment to achieving global standards in education and fostering international collaboration. This conference is an exciting opportunity to learn, share, and bring back valuable insights that will benefit our Augustinian community.
AppliedHE Xchange Public and Private University: ASEAN2025 Conference
Dr. Jay Mark Santos attended the 2024 AppliedHE Xchange: Recognising Excellence, Diversity, and Impact, held in partnership with Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 16-19, 2024.
This premier event brought together thought leaders and industry experts for engaging panel discussions, sharing of best practices, and the exchange of innovative ideas in higher education.
A highlight of the event was the highly anticipated launch of the AppliedHE Public & Private University Ranking: ASEAN 2025, showcasing the top institutions in the region.
Additionally, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the AppliedHE Leaders in Education Club (App.LE Club)—an international consortium and unique initiative aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting dialogue across all facets of higher education.
EdInnovate2024: Innovation in Education and e-Learning International Conference
8th Asian Philanthropic Development Conference
ASIAN CONFERENG ON EDUCATION
The LCUP delegates, including Vice President for Research, Publications, and Linkages, Vice President for Graduate Studies, Dr. Enrico F. Rosales, Director for Academic Quality Assurance participated in the 16th Asian Conference on Education (ACE2023) on November 22-25, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. They presented diverse research, covering topics from AI in education and teacher preparedness to eco-pedagogy, contributing to international academic dialogue and knowledge exchange.
TESOL Conference
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