On November 10, 2024, representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)—Mr. Oscar Sherlo Reyes, Director of the Center for External Linkages (CEL), and Ms. Ana Kristina Arce, Chairperson of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)—visited the Tsukuba University of Technology (NTUT) in Japan to explore avenues for academic partnership and collaboration.
The Benildean delegation was warmly welcomed by President Yasusho Ishihara, Ms. Rumi Hiraga, Director of Internationalization, and Professor Yotaka Usugi. During the partnership meeting, both institutions expressed a strong commitment to co-develop programs that promote inclusive and innovative learning opportunities. The discussion highlighted potential collaborations on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, joint research initiatives, and mobility programs for both students and faculty—reflecting a shared vision to expand global access to education for Deaf and hard of hearing learners.
Following the meeting, Mr. Reyes and Ms. Arce toured the university’s facilities, where they observed a Deaf class in session. The experience offered valuable insights into Japan’s specialized learning environments, assistive technologies, and pedagogical approaches tailored for Deaf students. Demonstrating the spirit of academic exchange, Ms. Arce delivered a lecture to Japanese Deaf students on the development and enactment of the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Law, sharing the Philippines’ journey toward language recognition and inclusion.
The visit marked an important step in building a strong foundation for future collaboration between Benilde and Tsukuba University of Technology. Both institutions aim to pursue projects that merge technology, accessibility, and cultural understanding, empowering learners and educators to innovate across borders.
Through this partnership, Benilde continues to uphold its commitment to inclusive internationalization—fostering academic linkages that celebrate diversity, advance Deaf education, and create meaningful global connections in pursuit of equitable learning for all.
