SPUP Elevates Global Academic Excellence through International Research, Benchmarking, and Cultural Immersion in the United States
July 13, 2026
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New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and California, USA — St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, internationalization, and global engagement through the active participation of its academic leaders in the 5th International Research and Education Conference (IREC), complemented by an extensive University Benchmarking Program and International Socio-Cultural Immersion and Educational Exposure across the United States from June 26 to July 8, 2026. These initiatives collectively advanced the University’s strategic vision of fostering globally competitive education, research, innovation, and intercultural understanding.
Representing SPUP were Dr. Agripina B. Maribbay (Vice President for Academics and Quality Assurance); Dr. Zenaida T. Estil (University Registrar); Dr. Carlos L. Babaran Jr. (Director, Information and Communications Technology Office); Dr. Rosalinda T. Tanguilan (Director, Knowledge & Information Research Network); and Dr. Roldan C. Bangalan (Head, Quality Management for Accreditations). Throughout the two-week international engagement, the delegation showcased the University’s research excellence, assumed leadership roles in an international academic conference, benchmarked with world-renowned universities, and immersed themselves in the rich historical, cultural, and educational heritage of the United States.
Organized by the Association of Filipino Teachers and Educators in America (AFTEA), Inc., the 5th International Research and Education Conference was held at the City University of New York–LaGuardia and the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in New York City under the theme, “Sustainability Through Innovation: Rethinking Futures of Education in the Age of AI.” Bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and academic leaders from the Philippines, the United States, and other countries, the conference served as a premier platform for scholarly collaboration and the exchange of innovative educational practices.
SPUP’s research contributions highlighted the University’s commitment to advancing transformative and ethical innovation in higher education. Dr. Roldan C. Bangalan presented “Paulinian Mission-Driven Instructional Transformation through Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence: A Grounded Theory Study at St. Paul University Philippines,” introducing a values-driven framework that integrates artificial intelligence with ethical leadership, learner-centered pedagogy, and Paulinian principles. Complementing this contribution, Dr. Carlos L. Babaran Jr. presented “Development of a Generative AI-Powered Application for Enhanced ICT Services Data Analysis and Interpretation,” demonstrating innovative applications of generative AI in strengthening institutional services and data-informed decision-making.
Beyond presenting research, SPUP faculty assumed significant leadership roles during the conference. Dr. Agripina B. Maribbay served as Chairperson of the Research Panel for both Track 3: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and Track 6: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Dr. Rosalinda T. Tanguilan served as a Research Panelist for Track 2: Teaching and Learning Process, while Dr. Zenaida T. Estil served as Session Moderator for Track 3: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These appointments reflected the confidence of the international academic community in SPUP’s expertise and leadership in research and higher education.
The University’s contributions were further recognized during the AFTEA Gala, where St. Paul University Philippines received a Plaque of Appreciation as a Partner Institution for its steadfast support of international research collaboration and educational innovation. The University’s five-member delegation was likewise honored with National Teaching Service Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, leadership, and professional service.
Complementing the conference was a University Benchmarking Program that brought the delegation to three of the world’s leading higher education institutions—Yale University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These visits enabled the delegates to examine global best practices in academic governance, interdisciplinary research, digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, student engagement, and institutional leadership. Insights gained from these globally recognized institutions will inform SPUP’s continuing efforts to strengthen academic programs, quality assurance systems, research initiatives, internationalization strategies, and institutional development.
The international engagement also featured an extensive Socio-Cultural Immersion and Educational Exposure Program, designed to deepen the delegates’ understanding of American history, culture, governance, and scientific advancement. The delegation visited the American Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the World Trade Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Times Square, gaining valuable perspectives on cultural diversity, artistic excellence, and historical heritage. The immersion continued with visits to the New York Public Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center, providing the delegates with deeper appreciation of New York City’s intellectual, spiritual, and cultural heritage.
A major highlight of the program was the courtesy call to the Philippine Consulate General in New York, where the AFTEA-IREC delegates were warmly welcomed by Philippine diplomatic officials. During the engagement, Dr. Agripina B. Maribbay presented the University’s expanding internationalization initiatives, highlighting its Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Educational Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science, and Master of Science in Nursing programs delivered through flexible/hyflex learning modality in partnership with AFTEA and other international educational institutions. The dialogue underscored SPUP’s commitment to broadening access to quality graduate education while strengthening global academic partnerships and advancing educational diplomacy through international collaboration.
Beyond New York, the educational immersion extended to some of the United States’ most historic and iconic landmarks. The delegation visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of American democracy, as well as the majestic Niagara Falls, where they reflected on environmental sustainability and the importance of preserving natural heritage. In Washington, D.C., visits to the United States Capitol and the White House offered valuable insights into democratic governance, public leadership, and civic responsibility. The delegates also joined the 250th Anniversary Celebration of United States Independence in New Jersey, providing a unique opportunity to witness one of the nation’s most significant historic commemorations. The international immersion concluded with a visit to San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a global symbol of engineering innovation, resilience, and cultural diversity, bringing to a fitting close an educational journey that seamlessly integrated history, culture, governance, diplomacy, and international collaboration.
Collectively, these international engagements exemplify SPUP’s holistic approach to global education—one that integrates scholarly excellence, institutional learning, cultural appreciation, and international collaboration. More than opportunities for professional development, the conference, benchmarking activities, and socio-cultural immersion strengthened the University’s capacity to respond to the evolving demands of higher education while remaining firmly anchored in its Catholic and Paulinian mission of holistic human formation.
As St. Paul University Philippines continues to pursue its vision of becoming a globally recognized institution of excellence, initiatives such as these reinforce its commitment to producing research with international relevance, cultivating globally competent academic leaders, and forging strategic partnerships that contribute to innovation, sustainable development, and the advancement of quality education. Guided by the enduring values of the Paulinian tradition, SPUP remains steadfast in forming graduates and educators who are intellectually competent, ethically grounded, culturally responsive, and prepared to lead in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.
By Dr. Roldan Bangalan
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