Isabela State University (ISU), led by Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino (University President), welcomed delegates of the South Intensive Program (SIP) 2025 with the theme, “Bridging Education, Innovation, and Sustainability through Global Collaboration” which will be held from February 10-22, 2025.

The weeklong learning exchange is supported by Belgium’s Province of West Flander Synergy Programme which started in 2018. This year, the said program is hosted by  ISU, Saint Mary’s University (SMU), and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), in partnership with Vives University of Applied Sciences, Howest University of Applied Sciences, and other participating Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs).

SIP is a collaborative initiative that provides learners with an extensive learning experience in the Philippines and Belgium. It includes sessions and on-site immersion, focusing on integrating community engagement strategies to develop prototype solutions for stakeholders.

Following community visits and hands-on fieldwork that expose participants to diverse case contexts, they will collaborate in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams to develop innovative solutions to identified challenges.

The collaboration between the Philippines and Belgium aims to foster global citizenship and enhance international and sustainable competencies among students and educators. Additionally, it seeks to build lasting partnerships between PHEIs and the Synergy partners of the Province of West Flanders, Belgium.