Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) strengthened its international engagement in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through academic exchanges and partnership discussions with Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) in Thailand on July 31, 2025, and the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao on Nov. 17, 2025.
These engagements promoted international knowledge sharing, institutional cooperation, research collaboration opportunities and community development initiatives aligned with the SDGs.
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MSEUF shares institutional SDG practices at HCU Thailand conference
MSEUF participated as a co-host institution in the 12th HCU National and International Academic Conference, held July 31, 2025, in Bang Chalong, Samut Prakan, Thailand, under the theme “Research to Serve Society.”
The conference gathered representatives from 31 universities and colleges and provided a platform for exchanging institutional practices and research approaches addressing social development challenges.
Dr. Felixberto Mercado, dean of the DCAV Research and Knowledge Institute and associate dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, represented MSEUF in the session titled “SDG in Action at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.”
Mercado presented the University's initiatives supporting five SDGs: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
His presentation highlighted MSEUF's campus energy efficiency measures, institutional transparency practices, community-based health programs, student employment support and international academic partnerships.
Mercado also discussed the University's participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 as part of its efforts to assess and communicate its contribution to sustainable development.
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The MSEUF delegation included Dr. Claudia Odette Ayala, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Leah Salas, corporate planning and development officer; Engr. Roselyn Maaño, director of the Research Publication, Incubation, and Utilization Center; and Dr. Jennifer Reyes, director of the Global Engagement Office.
HCU also recognized MSEUF as a co-host of the international academic conference, acknowledging its participation in the regional exchange of research and institutional experiences.
Ayala received the certificate of recognition on behalf of the University.
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The conference strengthened opportunities for international academic cooperation by bringing participating institutions together to exchange approaches to sustainability, research and community development.
MSEUF, USJ Macao explore collaborative community development initiatives
Continuing its international engagement, MSEUF met virtually with USJ Macao on Nov. 17, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. to explore collaborative programs in community extension services, research and resource support.
MSEUF Vice President Celso Jaballa opened the meeting and emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing shared goals for social impact and academic collaboration.
Reyes, who also served as the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Community Extension Services coordinator, introduced the participants from both institutions.
Dr. Milagrosa Lawas presented MSEUF's ongoing community service initiatives, highlighting the University's efforts to address community needs through outreach and extension programs.
Representing USJ Macao, Prof. Helen Liu presented the institution's outreach programs and community engagement initiatives, allowing the participating institutions to learn about their respective approaches to social responsibility.
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John Vincent Ibarreta, College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management Community Extension Services coordinator, presented programs involving the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and discussed opportunities for institutional support.
The participants identified three priority areas for prospective partnership: joint activities involving BJMP and USJ Macao, resource support, and research collaboration.
These discussions highlighted opportunities to connect the academic expertise and community engagement resources of both universities with initiatives serving communities and justice-sector beneficiaries.
The meeting concluded with Paulo Albuquerque outlining the next steps for the proposed collaboration and reaffirming both institutions' intention to pursue a sustainable academic partnership.
Strengthening international cooperation for sustainable development
Through its engagements in Thailand and Macao, MSEUF contributed to international discussions on sustainable development, shared institutional practices and explored opportunities for joint research and community extension programs.
The HCU conference provided a platform for presenting sustainability initiatives and exchanging academic knowledge, while the USJ Macao meeting identified potential areas for coordinated community development and research.
Together, these activities demonstrated the University's continuing commitment to international cooperation as a means of supporting sustainable development through instruction, research and community service.