The Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas (LPU-B) proudly served as one of the esteemed host partners for the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) Joint Events 2025 from May 21 to 23, 2025. The three-day international gathering, held at Chardonnay by Astoria in Manila, featured the 9th AUAP Forum & Networking, the 37th AUAP Annual Conference, and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of AUAP, attracting academic leaders, scholars, and institutional partners from across the Asia–Pacific region.
The event officially opened on May 21, 2025, with welcome remarks from Dr. Peter P. Laurel, President of LPU-B and former AUAP President. Joining him were Prof. Dr. Anoop Swarup, Secretary-General of AUAP, and Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, President of Rizal Technological University (RTU). Their messages brought up the significance of international collaboration, innovation in education, and the collective commitment to advancing quality higher education.
The first day featured two major special talks. Special Talk I focused on the synergy between academe and industry, highlighting topics such as technology’s role in academic connectivity, policy frameworks for academic collaboration, cross-cultural competence in education, cultural heritage and internationalization, and equity in academic resources and opportunities. Special Talk II emphasized global academic networking and presented successful models of partnerships and engagement, including best practices in university cooperation between the European Union and Asia-Pacific institutions, insights from QS as a key partner in higher education, and strategies for preparing students for success beyond graduation.
A ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing followed, symbolizing new alliances among participating universities and organizations. The day closed with remarks from Mr. Donato Z. Estocada, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office of RTU, reinforcing the value of continued academic cooperation.
On May 22, 2025, the program resumed with another round of welcome remarks from Dr. Laurel, Dr. Swarup, and Dr. Yangco, setting the stage for a day filled with dynamic presentations and panel discussions. Keynote addresses from prominent sponsor institutions preceded three in-depth sessions. Session 1 tackled global community development in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), game-based metaverse applications in education, research mentorship for early-career faculty, global networking challenges, and scientometric analysis of Philippine SDG research performance. Session 2 featured studies on AI literacy among science education students, development of sustainability scales, the Dunning-Kruger Effect among education students, innovation ecosystem models, and higher education faculty productivity through Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK). Session 3 presented discussions on the impact of ASEAN institutions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, strategies for teaching beyond the curriculum, and understanding QS rankings and ratings.
An Executive Board Meeting of AUAP followed in the afternoon, along with another MOU signing ceremony. The evening concluded with a Gala Dinner and the highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Celebration Ball. During the celebration, LPU-B was honored with recognition and appreciation as one of twelve official host partners. Dr. Laurel, along with Mr. Hari Mohan Gupta, AUAP President and Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) in India, and Dr. Yangco, extended words of gratitude and celebration to all delegates and partner institutions.
The final day, May 23, was dedicated to commemorating the 30th Anniversary of AUAP. Messages of reflection and inspiration were delivered by previous AUAP presidents, former secretary generals, goodwill ambassadors, lifetime members, and the current AUAP President, Mr. Hari Mohan Gupta. The celebration culminated in an anniversary countdown and group photos that captured the camaraderie and unity of the AUAP community. Dr. Peter P. Laurel delivered the final closing remarks, thanking everyone for their dedication to advancing higher education through mutual understanding and global cooperation.
The event concluded with a city tour, offering participants a glimpse of the Philippines’ rich culture and hospitality before their departure. As one of the recognized host partners, LPU-B reinforced its position as a leading institution in international academic collaboration, innovation, and educational excellence.
