TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Continuing its efforts to strengthen internationalization and advance its presence in global higher education rankings, Samar Colleges, Inc. (SCI) returned to the 2nd year of CHED FLAIR Masterclass, held on September 22–24, 2026, at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

Among the 22 higher education institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Visayas participating in the three-day masterclass, SCI was one of the private HEIs selected and invited by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII). Representing SCI were personnel from the Programs Development and Quality Assurance (PDQA) Office—Ms. Ritchelle D. Jabagat, OIC Director for Quality Assurance; Mr. Donald Oliveros, PDQA Overall Programs Coordinator; and Ms. Yanie Mae C. Cordero, Chair for AI Integration TWG for Basic Education.

As one of the newly ranked institutions in the WURI 2026 rankings, Samar Colleges’ initiatives and experiences, as well as the best practices that contributed to its participation in the said ranking were presented by Mr. Oliveros. Other newly ranked HEIs in Eastern Visayas, including Abuyog Community College (ACC), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), and Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), also shared their respective institutions’ initiatives and projects that helped them rank in the international rankings. The presentations provided participating institutions with concrete examples of how institutional programs, innovative practices, and community-oriented initiatives can contribute to greater visibility and impact at the international level.

The first day also featured Dr. James Brian Flores, Director of the Quality Assurance Office of Southern Leyte State University, who discussed the “World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI): Mastering the Methodology and Strategies for Innovation Rankings.” He emphasized identifying innovative institutional practices, demonstrating measurable impact, and presenting initiatives through evidence-based case submissions.

The succeeding sessions broadened the discussion to other global rankings. Dr. Elmer A. Irene, Director for International Affairs of Samar State University, shared SSU’s journey toward internationalization, while Prof. Andrew A. Siguan, Director of the LNU-APNIEVE Peace Center of Leyte Normal University, discussed the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and the importance of connecting institutional programs and accomplishments with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Hanzel N. Mejia, Head for International Mobility of Visayas State University (VSU), also presented the QS World University Rankings and shared VSU’s experiences and institutional strategies.

Prior to the onsite activity, participating institutions attended a virtual refresher course on internationalization and global rankings on September 17, 2026. Building on this preparation, the three-day masterclass then focused more on hands-on workshops, output presentations, and critique and feedback sessions, allowing HEIs to develop and refine their WURI and THE Impact Rankings submissions and strengthen the documentation, evidence, presentation, and impact narratives of their institutional initiatives.

On the 3rd and last day of the masterclass, Dir. Maximo C. Aljibe, CHED Regional Office VIII Regional Director, emphasized the importance of keeping internationalization efforts grounded in the core purpose of higher education. “No ranking replaces the purpose of higher education: we teach, we create knowledge, and we serve the public. Every internationalization effort should answer to those. Recognition follows good work—it shouldn’t become the work,” he said.

Through the knowledge, strategies, and feedback gained from the three-day master class, SCI moves forward with renewed direction as it prepares for future participation in WURI and THE Impact Rankings. The SCI delegates are also set to conduct a re-echo session to share the insights and best practices gained with the academic community, translating those learnings into institutional action as Samar Colleges, Inc. continues to strengthen its global presence and create meaningful impact through quality education and innovation.