On November 11, 2024, representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)—Mr. Oscar Sherlo Reyes of the Center for External Linkages (CEL) and Ms. Ana Kristina Arce of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)—visited Hosei University’s Tama Campus in Machida, Japan, to explore new avenues for academic collaboration.
The Benildean delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Sano from Hosei University’s School of Social Policy and Administration, who led a brief campus tour showcasing the university’s inclusive learning environment and commitment to social innovation. The visit culminated in an exploratory partnership meeting, where both institutions expressed a shared vision for advancing education that promotes cross-cultural understanding and disability inclusion.
Discussions centered on developing a joint educational tour and course offering that would bring together students from the Philippines and Japan in a transformative international learning experience. The proposed program features two core components: one on Deaf Awareness and Filipino/Japanese Sign Language, and another on policy development for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These modules aim to merge academic theory with community engagement, empowering students to understand and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in diverse social contexts.
Both Benilde and Hosei University expressed strong intent to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the coming months. The two institutions plan to dedicate 2025 to co-developing the course curriculum, with the goal of full implementation by 2026. This collaboration represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening ASEAN-Japan academic linkages, promoting mutual learning, and shaping a new generation of leaders committed to disability rights and inclusive education.
Through initiatives like this, Benilde continues to expand its international partnerships in ways that are socially relevant, inclusive, and impactful—demonstrating that education can bridge not only nations, but also communities and abilities.
