October 1, 2025 – Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus (CSUCC) celebrated International Awareness Day 2025 at the CSUCC Athenaeum Ground Floor. Spearheaded by the Office of Global and International Engagement (OGIE), led by Professor Maria Jovita C. Serrano, the event gathered students, faculty, administrators, and partners to strengthen CSU’s vision of becoming a world-class university through internationalization.
The program opened with messages of support and inspiration from university leaders, underscoring the importance of expanding academic and cultural connections across borders.
Perspectives on Global Engagement
During his keynote address, Dr. Glen Arthur A. Garcia, CSU Director for the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagement, expressed the hope of seeing more CSU students annually participate in internationalization opportunities through academic exchanges, research collaborations, or global programs.
He emphasized that CSU’s mission of building an international community is a vital step toward achieving global recognition and competitiveness. Internationalization, he noted, is not merely about prestige but about preparing graduates to thrive in the global workforce.
Furthermore, he explained that active involvement in global linkages is crucial for CSU to be recognized internationally. With government funding often limited, internationalization offers avenues for collaborations, grants, and project funding, ensuring that CSU continues to innovate, expand, and elevate its educational quality.
Prof. Chi-Fang Huang, Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering of Tatung University, also delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing the achievements and milestones of his institution in advancing internationalization. He highlighted how Tatung University has successfully established strong international networks and partnerships that have enriched both academic and cultural opportunities.
Prof. Huang also emphasized the reputation and significance of Tatung University within its community, showing how internationalization initiatives can bring not only global recognition but also positive local impact. His insights provided CSU with a model of how universities can leverage global engagement while staying deeply relevant to their home communities.
A Journey Through Culture and History
The celebration shifted from the academic halls to the heart of Cabadbaran’s cultural and historical treasures, as the CSUCC OGIE team led Prof. Chi-Fang Huang on a meaningful immersion tour.
The journey began at the Museo de Cabadbaran, where the city’s renowned historian, Mr. Florante More, vividly recounted the stories behind the ancient artifacts and fossils displayed in the museum. His narration highlighted the city’s deep cultural roots and its significant contributions to Philippine history, allowing Prof. Huang to gain a greater appreciation of Cabadbaran’s heritage.
From there, the team brought Prof. Huang to Rosedale, where he experienced one of the Cabadbaranon’s most beloved traditions: the pairing of puto (steamed rice cake) with sikwate (local hot chocolate). As he savored the delicacy, he also took in the refreshing atmosphere of the newly developed Paseohan, a rising tourist attraction that offers sweeping views of the Putting Bato mountain ranges. The scenic landscape and the crisp, clean air left him in awe, inspiring him to capture the moment through photographs.
The cultural exploration continued with a visit to the Ancestral House of Don Andres Atega and Veronica Curato, where Prof. Huang and the CSUCC team were warmly welcomed by the descendants of the family. Inside the historic home, the family proudly shared stories of their ancestors, the historical significance of the house, and their aspirations to preserve their legacy for future generations. Their passion for keeping their heritage alive resonated deeply with the day’s theme of bridging past traditions with global opportunities.
The immersion drew to a close at the Caasinan Beach, perfectly timed to witness the golden hues of the setting sun. As the sky transformed into shades of orange and gold, Prof. Huang and the CSUCC team admired the breathtaking view while locals joyfully swam along the shoreline. The peaceful moment at the beach was a fitting conclusion to the day — symbolizing balance, harmony, and the beauty of local culture that complements the university’s aspirations for global recognition.