Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) participated in the prestigious iLab Project 2024: Integrating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into the Philippine Educational System. Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through its International Affairs Service (IAS), the event took place on July 24, 2024, at Sulu State College in Jolo, Sulu.

The iLab Project 2024 aimed to implement a memorandum of cooperation among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that received the iLab grant. This initiative sought to introduce and promote the COIL program, focusing on applying e-pedagogy and sharing best practices. The event also served as a platform for forging linkages and partnerships among participating institutions.

Importantly, the gathering promoted cross-sectoral dialogue aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing together government agencies, HEIs, and partner organizations to exchange insights on digital education, global collaboration, and equitable learning opportunities. Through these multi-sector discussions, participants highlighted how COIL can advance SDG-related priorities such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. has been a trailblazer in integrating innovative educational methodologies, particularly in areas serving indigenous communities in Mindanao. HCCCI’s involvement in the iLab Project 2024 underscored its commitment not only to advancing educational practices through technology and international collaboration but also to engaging in multi-stakeholder dialogue that supports SDG-driven educational transformation.

Ms. Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, Executive Vice President of HCCCI and attendee of the conference, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are honored to be part of the iLab Project 2024. We have been continuously participating in opportunities like this from CHED IAS to showcase our initiatives and collaborate with other institutions to further enhance the educational experiences of our students, especially those from indigenous communities. We want to provide them with a platform to expose their culture to the world through the COIL projects we have.”

The event featured a comprehensive program, including discussions on e-pedagogy, COIL applications, and opportunities for networking with other HEIs. These exchanges supported deeper cooperation among stakeholders and strengthened SDG-oriented dialogues on internationalized, inclusive, and culturally responsive education.

As HCCCI continues to innovate and lead in educational practices, its participation in the iLab Project 2024 exemplifies its commitment to excellence and inclusivity in education. The institution looks forward to contributing to and learning from this significant initiative—further strengthening its mission to bridge cultures, elevate indigenous voices, and promote sustainable, SDG-aligned advancements in global learning through its COIL projects.