September 8–9, 2026 | SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City
Bago City College (BCC), through its Office of Linkages and International Affairs, proudly participated in the 2026 FLAIR Visayas Leg, a two-day seminar organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – International Affairs Service (IAS). Held on September 8–9, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, the event brought together higher education leaders, administrators, faculty members, and internationalization advocates from across the Visayas.
With the theme “Beyond Rankings: Strengthening Global Reputation,” the seminar emphasized the importance of internationalization, research excellence, academic reputation, and global university rankings in advancing the quality of higher education institutions.
Day 1: Building a Globally Competitive Higher Education System
The opening program featured welcome remarks from Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., Director IV of CHED–NIR, followed by the special message and statement of purpose delivered by Dr. Christine Nabor Ferrer, Director IV of CHED International Affairs Service.
Participants gained valuable insights from distinguished speakers, including Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin Jr., who discussed strategies for improving STEM research productivity and internationalization based on the MSU-IIT experience. This was followed by Ms. Yi Yin Tham of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), who explained the QS Evaluation Framework and highlighted strategic approaches to enhancing institutional reputation through research citations and international partnerships.
The morning concluded with Dr. Greta G. Gabinete of West Visayas State University, who shared practical data-driven strategies for sustaining academic reputation and increasing Scopus-indexed research output for QS Asia Metrics.
Day 2: Readiness for Global Rankings and International Mobility
The second day focused on institutional readiness through a series of hands-on workshops. Participants assessed their universities’ preparedness for participating in major international ranking systems, including the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, and QS World University Rankings.
The seminar also featured an awarding ceremony, commitment signing, and an afternoon orientation on the SUC Travel Assessment Portal, equipping state universities and colleges with updated guidelines for international academic mobility and overseas engagements.
Commitment to Excellence
The participation of Bago City College in the 2026 FLAIR Visayas Leg reflects the institution’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, research development, and meaningful internationalization. The knowledge and best practices gained during the seminar will serve as valuable foundations in strengthening the college’s global engagement initiatives and preparing the institution for future international collaborations and recognition.
Through active participation and collaboration with higher education leaders across the region, Bago City College continues to move forward in its mission of delivering quality education that meets both national and global standards.