The Global Engagements Office (GEO), in collaboration with the Rights2LIFE project, recently hosted a specialized re-echo session titled “Global Insights from Ghent University.” Held on March 17, 2026, at the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (InTTO) at the UC Legarda Campus, the event drew 30 participants, including faculty and non-teaching staff from across the University of the Cordilleras.
Reflecting UC’s role as a regional hub for internationalization, the session also welcomed guests from neighboring institutions, including the University of Baguio (UB), King’s College of the Philippines (KCP), and Benguet State University (BSU).
The session featured Dr. Nica Togana and Dr. Debbie Karyle Arquero, faculty members of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) and Global Minds Research Fellows, who recently completed their research stay at Ghent University.
The program opened with Dr. Ariel Nimo Pumecha, Vice President for Academics and the Project Leader of Rights2LIFE, providing an overview of the Rights2LIFE project and its partnership with Ghent University. He emphasized how the project fosters international academic exchange through initiatives like the Global Minds Research Stay, which directly enables UC faculty to engage with global research standards.
Dr. Nica Togana discussed the technical application process and her professional experiences during her 45-day tenure in Belgium. Following her, Dr. Debbie Karyle Arquero reflected on how the research environment and people in Ghent shaped her journey, highlighting how institutional culture and collaborative spaces are essential for academic success. Both speakers noted that significant academic growth requires resilience and shared insights from their cultural immersion across Europe.
The event concluded with a collaborative dialogue where faculty explored eligibility for future Global Minds cycles and discussed the practicalities of managing international residencies alongside family commitments.
This collaboration reflects UC’s commitment to global excellence by supporting Goal 4: Quality Education through the promotion of international research training for faculty. The activity also aligns with Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by fostering a robust research culture and institutional innovation. Finally, the event exemplifies Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how the collaboration between GEO, the Rights2LIFE project, and Ghent University strengthens global academic ties.
