Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) has formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Incheon Bilingual Theatre Festival Network (IBTFN) in Incheon City, South Korea, signed on September 12, 2026. The agreement was signed by Dr. Erwin M. Faller, Ph.D., Academic Director of HCCCI, and Shin Seung-il, Co-Artistic Director of Actor Collective and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the Bilingual Theater Festival, representing their respective institutions. The partnership strengthens HCCCI’s international engagement by creating opportunities for collaboration in education, cultural exchange, the performing arts, and related academic and professional initiatives.

Founded in 2012, IBTFN brings together theatre groups from Korea and other countries through multilingual performances and cultural activities. The network serves as a platform connecting Korean theatre practitioners with international theatre groups, universities, and cultural organizations. Through the MOU, HCCCI and IBTFN expressed their shared commitment to promoting educational and cultural understanding through the arts while fostering opportunities for academic, professional, and intercultural engagement.

The agreement outlines several areas of potential cooperation, including student mobility and cultural exchange programs, faculty exchange and professional development, joint academic program development, collaborative research and innovation, and the organization of seminars, workshops, conferences, and other knowledge-sharing activities. These areas provide a framework for both institutions to explore initiatives that connect academic learning with cultural and creative experiences.

The partnership also supports initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By encouraging educational exchange, institutional cooperation, and cross-cultural engagement, the MOU provides opportunities to contribute to broader efforts toward inclusive learning and sustainable international partnerships.

The signing was complemented by the participation of the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe, which contributed to the cultural dimension of the engagement. Carlo Ebeo, associated with the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe, participated in the activity as a facilitator in connection with the group’s involvement. His role supported the coordination and facilitation of the cultural component of the engagement, contributing to the interaction between the participating cultural groups and institutions.

The participation of the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe further highlighted the role of cultural and artistic exchange in strengthening international understanding. Through its performance and representation of Philippine cultural heritage, the group provided an avenue for local artistry to be shared within an international setting, complementing HCCCI’s efforts to expand global learning opportunities beyond conventional academic exchanges.

Effective for a period of two years, the MOU establishes a framework for continued cooperation between HCCCI and IBTFN through communication, resource sharing, and the development of mutually beneficial programs and activities. As a non-binding agreement, it serves as a statement of shared intent and provides a foundation for exploring future collaborations in education, culture, research, professional development, and international engagement.

The partnership marks another milestone in HCCCI’s continuing internationalization efforts, demonstrating the institution’s expanding engagement across academic, cultural, and creative fields. Through its collaboration with IBTFN, HCCCI opens further avenues for cross-cultural learning, institutional cooperation, and the meaningful integration of arts and cultural exchange into its international education initiatives.