Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) continued to advance its commitment to educational innovation and internationalization as Jack Robin A. Lacerna, MMEM, International Relations Officer, was featured as a guest on TrendJing, hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Jing Castañeda, on July 18, 2026, over DZMM TeleRadyo. Centered on the timely theme “Kinabukasan ng Edukasyon,” the discussion explored the future of Philippine higher education and highlighted how internationalization can expand learning opportunities, strengthen academic excellence, and prepare students and educators for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

The program served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the evolving landscape of higher education, bringing together perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing academic institutions amid rapid global, technological, and societal change. Discussions emphasized the importance of innovation, academic collaboration, intercultural understanding, and future-ready education in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

Representing HCCCI, Lacerna shared the institution’s experiences in advancing internationalization through strategic academic partnerships and globally engaged learning initiatives. During the interview, he emphasized that internationalization extends beyond establishing institutional linkages and should instead be viewed as a transformative approach to enhancing teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. Drawing from HCCCI’s initiatives, he highlighted the role of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), faculty and student mobility, international research collaborations, and intercultural engagement in broadening perspectives, encouraging innovation, strengthening institutional collaboration, and creating meaningful learning experiences while remaining responsive to local and global community needs.

The guesting also provided an opportunity to showcase HCCCI’s continuing efforts to position itself as a globally connected institution committed to academic excellence and international collaboration. By sharing its experiences with a national audience, the institution contributed to broader conversations on how higher education can respond to emerging challenges through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive educational practices.

The discussion likewise advanced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive, equitable, and globally relevant learning opportunities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by preparing graduates with competencies that enhance employability and lifelong learning; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by encouraging research, innovation, and the responsible integration of educational technologies; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by expanding access to international learning experiences and intercultural engagement; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening institutional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable academic partnerships.

Reflecting on the experience, Lacerna expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent HCCCI and share the institution’s internationalization journey with a wider audience. He emphasized that meaningful partnerships, mutual learning, and intercultural understanding remain fundamental in creating educational opportunities that enrich institutions and learners alike. He further underscored that internationalization is most impactful when anchored in service, inclusivity, academic excellence, and a shared commitment to improving education for present and future generations.

As Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. continued to strengthen its global engagement initiatives, the institution remained steadfast in promoting transformative education, collaborative innovation, and sustainable international partnerships. Through national platforms such as TrendJing and meaningful discussions on the future of Philippine higher education, HCCCI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing quality education, expanding global opportunities, and developing graduates who are globally competent, socially responsible, and prepared to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.