Empowering Leaders Through
Experiential Learning

3/12/2026

March 12, 2026, 9:00 AM (via Zoom): The Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), through its Institute of Architecture, Institute of Public Administration, and International Relations Office (INRO), held an exploratory meeting with the Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) to discuss a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing international learning, research, and sustainable urban governance programs for students and faculty. The meeting was initiated by Prof. Abigail C. Catapang, Head of the BPSU Institute of Architecture.BPSU, a leading higher education institution committed to “Traversing a Culture of Innovation,” emphasizes transformative learning aligned with global standards to equip students for real-world challenges. BLN brings expertise in experiential learning programs, including the “City Learning Tour” methodology, and leverages the Industry, City, University, and Entrepreneurship (ICUE) framework to connect best practices between the Philippines and Taiwan.The meeting focused on several areas of collaboration, including:International Linkages & MOUs: Facilitating student and faculty mobility for international programs and exchanges.Global Event Participation: Opportunities for BPSU to join events such as the Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo and Cityscape Classroom: Youth Convergence, and Yuan Ye Architecture Awards with BLN as its organizing partner.Experiential Learning Programs: Designing tailored Learning and Development Programs based on the ICUE framework in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan and intensive immersion for Architecture and Public Administration students.Joint Research and Extension: Combining BPSU’s academic expertise with BLN’s field insights and linkages to create actionable solutions for local government units (LGUs) and university social responsibility initiatives in Bataan.Participants also discussed strategies to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, enhance program quality through ample preparation and coordination, and promote resource-sharing to maximize the learning experience.Representatives from BPSU included leaders from the Institute of Architecture, Institute of Public Administration, and International Relations Office.BLN is particularly enthusiastic about partnering with academic institutions, recognizing universities as hubs of good governance. Both BPSU and BLN share a commitment to advancing global perspectives, practical skills, and sustainable urban governance practices, setting a model for mutually beneficial higher education partnerships.Learn more about BPSU: https://www.bpsu.edu.ph and our programs at https://www.bayanihanlabnetwork.com#BayanihanLabNetwork #BPSU #HigherEducationPartnerships #SustainableGovernance #ExperientialLearning #CityLearningTour #GlobalPerspectives #ICUEFramework

3/12/2026

Representatives from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) held an exploratory meeting to discuss possible areas of collaboration in advancing sustainability, innovation, and capacity development across sectors. 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙈 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮, known for organizing international trade exhibitions and missions that promote Filipino products and industries in the global market.The discussion covered potential partnerships in exhibitions, sustainability lectures, startup pitching platforms, capability development programs, and trade missions, particularly in initiatives that engage startups, local government units (LGUs), and the education sector. Among the opportunities discussed was participation in the upcoming Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) scheduled for May 21–23, 2026, as well as related sustainability programming within the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX).CITEM noted that BLN’s initiatives in promoting sustainability practices and cross-sector collaboration could complement its platforms that bring together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers to showcase solutions in areas such as sustainable manufacturing, eco-packaging, circular design, and green enterprise development.Present at the meeting from CITEM were Katrina C. Pineda, SSX Project Manager and Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist for the Trade Promotion Service for Consumer and Allied Sectors; Alphonse D. Estacio, Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist for the Trade Promotion Service for Food; Chol dela Paz, SSX Project Officer for Exhibition and Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist; and Ma. Lourdes Quimson, SSX Project Officer for Startups and the Pitching Competition.Representing BLN were Dexter Lloyd Sularte, Gella Leano, and Rodolfo Emperado.Learn more about Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions and their programs: https://www.citem.com.phDiscover the work of Bayanihan Lab Network: https://www.bayanihanlabnetwork.com#SustainabilityPH#StartupInnovation#TradeAndDevelopment#CapabilityDevelopment#PhilippineInnovation