FACULTY and staff of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños recently participated in a seminar-workshop on internationalization.

The workshop, led by the Office of International Linkages, was attended by Education officials and representatives of educational institutions.

“The event aims to provide a venue to orient the UPLB Committee on Internationalization members in the internationalization protocols, strategies, and branding considerations in line with the strategic planning of OIL,” Anna Floresca Firmalino, director of OIL, said.

UP Chancellor Jose Camacho, Jr. expressed his support in sustaining the internationalization initiatives of the university, particularly utilizing online platforms to pursue partnerships.

During the plenary session, presenters discussed internationalization and branding of the Philippine Higher Education Sector, protocols for delegations and events, and strategies in partnership development.

Lily Freida Milla, acting deputy executive director of the Commision on Higher Education, tackled internationalization and branding.

“Build a brand promise based on academic offerings, student experience, or an institution’s prestige. Branding comes from within. It must be believed in and supported by all members of your community,” Milla said.

“Great brands are those whose missions people want to be a part of because they are the aspirations of the community. When a brand is community-driven, it goes from promise to reality,” she added.

On the other hand, Lotus Postrado, head of education at the British Council, advised institutions to develop programs according to the partner institution’s interests.

Meanwhile, Trixie Marie Sison, dean of the College of Education at Miriam College, advised the committee that before engaging potential partners, it should identify the type of partnership that will be best for the university, and the institutions that UPLB can partner with based on realistic expectations and on the needs of the university.

The university should also identify benefits that it can offer to its partner institution, she said.