Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), through its International Relations and External Linkages Office, successfully hosted the COIL Information Session, Networking and Partnering Fair 2026 on June 26, 2026 via Zoom. The event gathered representatives from 40 Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) across the Philippines, creating a collaborative space for higher education institutions to explore innovative approaches to internationalization through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

Anchored on the theme, "Beyond Learning Continuity: Leveraging COIL for Innovative Teaching, Global Partnerships, and Internationalized Higher Education," the event highlighted how virtual exchange can transform teaching and learning by connecting students and faculty across countries. Through COIL, institutions can broaden international engagement, enrich classroom experiences, and make global learning opportunities more accessible regardless of geographical or financial limitations.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Eldrin P. Delgado of the Commission on Higher Education–International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS), who underscored the growing role of internationalization in Philippine higher education. He encouraged colleges and universities to embrace innovative strategies that foster international collaboration and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Providing the foundation for the discussions, Dr. Erwin M. Faller, Academic Director of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc., introduced the principles and practical applications of Collaborative Online International Learning. Drawing from HCCCI's experience, he shared how institutions can begin developing COIL initiatives through strategic partnerships, faculty collaboration, and curriculum integration. He also discussed practical approaches to implementing virtual exchange programs that strengthen teaching, enrich student learning, and expand international engagement.

The event also featured Dr. Keiko Goto, Professor at California State University, Chico and a SUNY COIL Ambassador (2026–2027). Drawing from her extensive experience in international education, she shared how COIL projects centered on gastronomy and nutrition have connected students from different countries through collaborative learning. Her presentation illustrated how food, culture, and interdisciplinary learning can become powerful platforms for developing intercultural competence, global citizenship, and mutual understanding among students.

Sharing another international perspective, Dr. Augusto Federico González Graziano of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Mexico, presented his institution's experiences in implementing COIL within the fields of law and educational research. He discussed how virtual collaboration has strengthened international research partnerships, encouraged knowledge exchange, and created opportunities for faculty and students to engage in globally relevant academic work despite geographical barriers.

Participants also learned about opportunities to become part of a growing international COIL community through Daysi Rueda Cordones, Associate Director of COIL Connect, Spain. She introduced the organization's mission of supporting higher education institutions in adopting Collaborative Online International Learning and discussed the benefits of membership, including faculty matchmaking, professional development, collaborative research, and international partnership opportunities. Her presentation encouraged institutions to become active members of a global network committed to expanding accessible and sustainable international education.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of Jack Robin A. Lacerna, MMEM, International Relations Officer of HCCCI, who shared HCCCI's vision for strengthening international collaboration through COIL. He discussed the importance of creating sustainable institutional partnerships and equipping faculty members with the tools and networks needed to develop globally connected learning experiences.

During his presentation, Mr. Lacerna officially launched the COIL Bayanihan Website, an online platform designed to serve as a collaborative hub for Philippine Local Universities and Colleges. Inspired by the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the website enables institutions to identify potential COIL partners, access implementation resources, share best practices, and establish connections with both local and international higher education institutions. The platform is expected to play a significant role in strengthening collaboration and supporting the continued growth of COIL initiatives across the country.

The event concluded with a networking and partnering session where representatives from the participating LUCs exchanged ideas, explored collaborative opportunities, and established new institutional connections. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to developing innovative international learning experiences that transcend geographical boundaries and create more inclusive pathways for global engagement.

Beyond introducing the fundamentals of Collaborative Online International Learning, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and partnership in shaping the future of higher education. It also supports the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding equitable access to international learning, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through technology-enabled education, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by making global learning more accessible, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions.

Following the successful conduct of the COIL Information Session, Networking and Partnering Fair 2026, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) will continue working closely with Local Universities and Colleges to expand the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) across the Philippines. Through the newly launched COIL Bayanihan Website, participating institutions will have continued access to partnership opportunities, faculty networking, and shared resources that support the development of COIL courses and collaborative projects.

Moving forward, HCCCI aims to organize faculty capability-building programs, facilitate institutional partner matching, and support the implementation of pilot COIL initiatives among participating LUCs. By strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting sustainable virtual exchange, the College remains committed to making international education more accessible while preparing students with the global competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.