EVSU-OC Bolsters Global Ties; Rolls Out 2025-2030 Strategic Internationalization Roadmap

ORMOC CITY, Leyte — Positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for globally competitive professionals, the Eastern Visayas State University – Ormoc City Campus (EVSU-OC) hosted the Internationalization (IZN) Orientation Caravan 2026: Series 1 on January 23, 2026.

The event marked the official rollout of the university’s Strategic Internationalization Roadmap (2025–2030), a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at integrating global perspectives into teaching, research, and community engagement.

Mobilizing Vitality: The “MOVE” Initiative

A key highlight of the caravan was the introduction of the MOVE (Mobilizing our Vitality and Empowerment) program. Presented by Dr. Analyn C. Españó, Vice President for Students, Internationalization, and External Affairs, MOVE is a wellness-centered initiative designed for faculty and staff.

“As we age and face the challenges of a globalized academic landscape, we must prioritize our mental and physical health,” Dr. Españó emphasized. “MOVE is about ensuring our workforce is empowered and vitalized to lead our students onto the global stage.”

Transforming “Butterflies” for a Global Village

Addressing the student leaders and faculty, Prof. Faustito A. Aure, Director of Internationalization Affairs, used a poignant butterfly analogy to describe the student journey. He challenged the attendees to see themselves not just as degree-seekers, but as catalysts for change.

“Are you ready to face the challenges of the times and be a part of the metamorphosis in your communities?” Prof. Aure asked. “Like a butterfly, your growth should be contagious—bringing beauty, happiness, and solutions to the global village.”

Prof. Aure also detailed the “pillars” of the roadmap, which include:

  • Global Academic Mobility: Opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, internships, and international conferences.
  • Internationalized Curriculum: Implementing COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), where EVSU-OC students can share virtual classrooms with peers from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
  • SDG Alignment: Ensuring all campus activities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships (SDG 17).

Strengthening the Bridge to the Future

The caravan also addressed practical concerns, such as the importance of Tracer Studies to maintain links with alumni and the pursuit of AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance) assessments to certify the campus’s academic standards.

The event saw active participation from the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and various campus organizations, who were encouraged to act as “bridges” between the administration’s international vision and the student body.

The IZN Orientation Caravan 2026 at EVSU-OC concludes the first leg of a system-wide effort to ensure that every campus under the “One EVSU” banner is equipped to compete and collaborate on a global scale.

This article is aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals as it outlines a strategic roadmap for global academic integration, international mobility, and cross-border partnerships to enhance student competitiveness and institutional excellence.