Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) continues its steady progress in internationalization with the forging of a new academic connection with Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA) in Indonesia. This partnership began with HCCCI’s meaningful participation and active engagement during the 2nd UNISSULA Pharmacy International Conference (UPHIC), held virtually on November 1–2, 2025. The event gathered voices and expertise from multiple nations—including the Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia—uniting professionals, scholars, and students to discuss shared challenges in health care and pharmaceutical sciences.

HCCCI was honored to have Academic Director Prof. Dr. Erwin M. Faller, MSPharm, PhDEL, PHOPharm, MMPS, FRIPharm, serve as one of the keynote speakers during the international event. Dr. Faller delivered a powerful presentation titled, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Bridging Chronic Disease Gaps in Global Health,” emphasizing how technology-driven solutions can help address long-standing global health concerns such as chronic diseases, limited access to medication, and unequal health systems. His participation echoed HCCCI’s responsibility to meaningfully contribute to global conversations—championing innovation while remaining grounded in compassion, scientific integrity, and service.

As part of this collaboration, Pharmacy students from HCCCI participated in the two-day international conference. UNISSULA’s Faculty of Pharmacy generously extended free access to the students, enabling them to join discussions featuring experts and speakers from Indonesia (host country), the Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan. This exposure allowed students to understand how different countries confront health issues, adapt new technologies, and design pharmaceutical solutions that respond to complex global needs. For many of the participating students, this was their first time learning alongside peers and professionals from multiple nations—making the experience both empowering and deeply eye-opening. The webinar helped broaden their understanding of global health disparities, drug development innovations, and integrative therapies, while strengthening their appreciation of cultural diversity and international cooperation.

The collaboration reflects HCCCI’s commitment to expanding learning opportunities while grounding all efforts in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this initiative, HCCCI actively targets SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by engaging in discussions and research on chronic diseases, drug development, and innovative therapies that aim to improve global health outcomes. It supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing students with inclusive access to international learning, expert insights, and global academic exposure. The institution advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence into healthcare education and research. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is addressed by offering opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that international academic experiences are accessible to all. Through the development of future healthcare professionals who will serve and strengthen communities, HCCCI contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By fostering intercultural understanding, ethical collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among international partners, the school supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Finally, HCCCI strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by cultivating responsible, meaningful, and sustainable academic alliances that promote global cooperation and collective growth.

HCCCI acknowledges that this partnership is only the beginning of a longer journey. The institution remains dedicated to responsible and meaningful growth—seeking collaborations that enhance student development, strengthen institutional capacity, and bring global learning into the local context, particularly in communities within South Cotabato. The collaboration with UNISSULA stands as a testament to HCCCI’s vision of building bridges, not barriers; nurturing mutual respect; and pursuing sustainable, globally connected education. Through purposeful international engagements, continuous innovation, and equitable access to opportunities, HCCCI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to making education transformative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of learners and communities alike.