20/04/2026
2026 iRAISE—Drives IaH as crucial for Emerging HEIs in Internationalization
TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region II successfully convened the 2026 iRAISE (Internationalization for Rankings Advancement, Integration, Strategic Engagement, and Excellence) on April 16, 2026, via Zoom.
The initiative served as a strategic capacity-building and institutional planning workshop designed to enhance the readiness of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for global engagement and participation in international ranking systems. The activity underscored that for emerging HEIs, Internationalization at Home (IaH) is a critical approach in strengthening institutional systems, processes, and overall readiness for internationalization.
At the core of the discussions was the Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP), positioned as a key roadmap toward global visibility. CHED Region II Regional Director, Dr. Julieta M. Paras, emphasized the importance of institutional commitment, challenging participants with the question: “When do we choose commitment over excuses?” This call to action highlighted the urgency for HEIs to move beyond planning and fully embrace implementation.
Further reinforcing the strategic direction of internationalization efforts, CHED Region II emphasized the alignment of institutional priorities with the Commission’s ACHIEVE Agenda, particularly its thrust for Inclusive and Impact-Driven Internationalization. HEIs were encouraged to integrate key performance indicators from the ACHIEVE framework into their SIPs, as key result areas, ensuring that initiatives are measurable, outcomes-based, and responsive to both regional and global development goals.
Dr. Jocelyn P. Carag, Education Supervisor II and Internationalization Focal Person of CHED Region II, provided in-depth guidance on institutionalizing Internationalization at Home (IaH) by embedding it into core academic programs, faculty development, research initiatives, and student experiences. She further emphasized that strict adherence to established guidelines governing international partnerships, student and faculty mobility, and other related initiatives is essential—not only to regulatory compliance, but also to safeguard institutional credibility and maximize the impact of global engagements.
Meanwhile, Mr. Johnray M. Gallena, University Section Chief for Education and Training and University Rankings Manager of Isabela State University (ISU), shared a practical roadmap in transitioning local initiatives to global recognition. He highlighted the importance of identifying key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) niches and aligning institutional data with Times Higher Education (THE) criteria. His session offered replicable strategies grounded in ISU’s successful performance in the THE Impact Rankings.
Complementing these insights, Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Internationalization Office of Saint Mary’s University, underscored the vital role of evidence-based documentation systems in sustaining internationalization efforts. She presented best practices in establishing centralized repositories, tracking global engagements, and ensuring audit-ready documentation—critical components in strengthening institutional readiness for global rankings submissions and informed decision-making.
The 2026 iRAISE initiative ultimately served as a dynamic platform for peer learning, benchmarking, and strategic collaboration among HEIs in Region II. By focusing on governance, policy alignment, and robust documentation systems, the program reinforced the region’s collective drive toward inclusive and impact-driven internationalization regardless of institutional size.