From the heart of Mindanao to the global academic stage in Europe, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) has once again proven that even a modest institution—humble and deeply rooted in community values can rise to the call of internationalization. What began as small, intentional steps toward internationalization at home—integrating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in classrooms, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, building smart learning environments, and fostering cultural exchange—has now grown into a journey that stretches across continents. Today, that journey brings us to Gothenburg, Sweden, for the European Association for International Education (EAIE) 2025, one of the most prestigious gatherings of educators, institutions, and innovators from around the world. This marks our independent endeavor following our first exposure to EAIE 2024 through the Commission on Higher Education program.

This year is particularly meaningful. HCCCI stands as the only Philippine Higher Education Institution (HEI) exhibiting under the Federation for Education in Europe (FEDE) stand as a member. This milestone is both humbling and inspiring. It affirms our place in a wider network of global educators while reminding us of the responsibility we carry—not just to represent ourselves, but to bring with us the voices, aspirations, and commitments of our partner institutions back home.

Our participation also signals the European debut of HCCCI’s latest magazine and brochure, both of which boldly articulate our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2024. These publications are more than promotional materials—they are blueprints of hope, vision, and action. They highlight our institution’s commitment to advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) through accessible and transformative learning opportunities; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping students with future-ready skills; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by championing indigenous peoples and marginalized learners; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by cultivating ethical leadership; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by building bridges that transcend borders.

Beyond showcasing programs and publications, what makes this participation truly significant is the active presence of our higher management, Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, MMEM, Executive Vice President; Erwin M. Faller, PhD, Academic Director; and Roelof Van Buren, Europe-based International Relations Officer. Their work here goes beyond ceremonial attendance. They are advocating, lobbying, and forging connections, and sharing not only HCCCI’s story but also the broader narrative of Philippine internationalization. Each dialogue with global leaders and each exchange of ideas with potential partners reflects our enduring belief that education should not stop at national boundaries. Instead, it should expand outward, carrying with it the values of collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Our participation at EAIE is not an isolated event. It is part of a larger continuum of HCCCI’s ongoing efforts for European expansion. For years, our institution has cultivated partnerships across Asia and the Americas through COIL projects, student exchanges, and research collaborations. Today, those efforts converge in Europe, one of the most academically rich regions in the world. We envision a future of internationalization where seamless academic exchanges with European universities become a reality, and where our students experience the rigor and richness of European education, and where European students, in turn, immerse themselves in the cultural diversity of Mindanao.

The road here has not been easy. Internationalization for a community-rooted school like HCCCI began with skepticism, resource limitations, and the challenge of proving that global excellence can emerge from local soil. Yet, through determination, innovation, and the unwavering belief in our students and faculty, we began to bring the world into our classrooms. Now, we find ourselves bringing those same classrooms, those same values, and those same dreams to the global stage.

As we continue to walk the halls of EAIE 2025, we do so not in pursuit of prestige alone, but in pursuit of purpose. Every step we take is tied to a vision of a future where education uplifts entire communities, where partnerships are anchored on sustainability, and where the Philippines—through institutions like HCCCI—plays a meaningful role in shaping global education.

This moment in Gothenburg is just the beginning. It is a declaration that from Mindanao to Europe, from community to continent, HCCCI is committed to building bridges and expanding horizons not only for our institution but for the students, families, and communities who believe in the power of education to transform lives.