What began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) and Aksaray University, Turkey during the EAIE 2025 Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, culminated in a moment of cultural exchange that made the partnership even more meaningful.

Following the formal signing, the two institutions exchanged tokens of gratitude—an act that transformed the event from a legal formality into a story of friendship, respect, and global connection.

As a symbol of its roots and mission, HCCCI presented Aksaray University with a handwoven Tnalak fabric from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, a traditional textile crafted by the Tboli indigenous community of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines. The Tnalak, often seen as a sacred representation of dreams, unity, and cultural resilience, served as HCCCI’s way of bringing the identity of its people into the heart of this international partnership.

The presentation of the fabric carried even greater weight as it was handed jointly by HCCCI’s Executive Vice President, Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, MMEM; its Academic Director, Erwin M. Faller; and its Europe-based International Relations Officer, Roelof van Buren. Their shared role in this gesture underscored the collaborative spirit of HCCCI’s leadership team. It also highlighted the uniqueness of Mr. van Buren’s presence—though not Filipino by blood, his dedication to advancing education and supporting the indigenous communities of South Cotabato made him a living symbol of how internationalization can transcend nationalities and unite people under a common cause.

In return, Aksaray University offered its own gesture of respect and gratitude. Its representatives pinned a Turkish flag brooch and a Filipino flag brooch on Mr. van Buren, symbolizing unity between the two nations. They also presented their own token of appreciation to HCCCI, affirming the spirit of goodwill that marks the beginning of this academic relationship.

What made this exchange even more historic was that it was witnessed by the Federation for European Education (FEDE), represented by its Chairwoman Claude Vivier Le Got, and other international delegates present at EAIE. For HCCCI, which has recently become a member of FEDE, this moment reflected a full-circle journey, from joining a global network of educational institutions to standing on the EAIE stage, forging a new partnership that aligns with its mission and values.

This exchange also resonates strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly advances Quality Education (SDG 4) by creating pathways for academic exchange and cross-cultural learning, promotes Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by elevating indigenous representation and student voices from South Cotabato onto the global stage, and reinforces Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by fostering transparent, respectful, and sustainable cooperation between institutions.

While the MOU is still exploratory and will require further planning and dialogue before specific programs are launched, the symbolism of this exchange cannot be overlooked. It demonstrates that partnerships are not only measured by signed documents but also by the values and traditions they bring together.

For HCCCI, the moment is a reminder that every step in its internationalization journey is ultimately student-centered. The partnerships it builds abroad are designed to ensure that students in South Cotabato—many from underserved and indigenous communities—have opportunities to access global experiences, research collaborations, and cultural exchanges that prepare them for an interconnected world.

The story of HCCCI and Aksaray University is just beginning, yet already it reflects what can happen when education becomes a bridge across cultures. It is a story of dreams woven like the T’nalak, threads of connection pinned like the brooches exchanged, and a partnership witnessed by peers from around the world. Above all, it is a story of how internationalization, when rooted in cultural respect and inclusivity, can create a lasting impact for generations of students back home.