How Our Internationalization Story Began

In the heart of Surallah, South Cotabato, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) carries a quiet yet powerful mission: to bring education closer to those often left on the margins. Serving a diverse student population—many from indigenous and geographically isolated communities—HCCCI was founded on the values of accessibility, respect for diversity, and unwavering service to its people.

Today, without ever leaving their hometowns, our students engage in conversations, collaborative projects, and learning spaces with peers across the globe—from Latin America to Southeast Asia to Europe. We've only just begun tapping the transformative power of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), which has seamlessly woven global learning into our classrooms, laptops, smartphones, and even remote community centers. It is proof that education, when powered by connection, knows no borders.

But this transformation didn’t happen overnight. It began with a bottle of water—and a moment that changed everything.

In 2021, CHED Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III embarked on the Padyak Para sa Edukasyong Tumpak bike tour across Region XII to reach even the most remote learning institutions. One of his stops was a modest water station at Holy Child. But when Chair Popoy stepped off his bike and walked onto our campus, something remarkable unfolded.

He spoke with students who shared raw stories of daily struggles, of hikes through mountain trails just to reach school. He learned about our learning centers hidden in the hills and saw how, despite limited resources, HCCCI provided authentic instruction, a fully functional Learning Management System, and technology support fueled by genuine care. What began as a rest stop turned into a meaningful encounter—a spark that would light the way for what came next.

Soon after, HCCCI was honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Innovation Laboratory (iLab) for Global Education and Digital Citizenship, a flagship program by CHED's International Affairs Staff (IAS), led by Atty. Lily Freida Milla. This was not just recognition—it was a call to action.

With iLab’s support, we established our first smart classroom and launched the Center for Internationalization and Indigenous People following years after—an ambitious initiative that brings the world into our classrooms and community centers. Through the COIL model, students from Surallah began engaging with peers from Indonesia, Venezuela, Japan, Colombia, Malaysia, and more than 45 institutions worldwide. They weren't just learning content—they were building cultural bridges, discovering shared humanity, and expanding their worldviews.

As of May 2025, our newly established International Relations Office, led by Jack Robin A. Lacerna, MMEM, has already facilitated 3,245 internationalization experiences and counting. These include COIL-integrated courses in education, leadership, social sciences, and communication; virtual exchanges; international symposia; and enduring partnerships with institutions across the globe.

Joshua’s Journey to Indonesia: Learning Beyond Borders

Among these transformative experiences is the story of Joshua, a student who engaged in peace and interfaith dialogue projects through a partnership with Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) in Indonesia. His participation not only broadened his global outlook but also demonstrated how local voices can meaningfully contribute to international conversations.

Joshua Achilles G. Maaba, a student in the Accountancy, Business, and Management strand, actively took part in the 2nd UNISBA Global Student Motion at Universitas Islam Bandung, held from September 23 to 28, 2024.

Through the Student Mobility Program, Joshua joined fellow students from various countries in academic and cultural exchanges. He also contributed to a virtual exchange project focused on peace and interfaith dialogue, where he shared insights grounded in his upbringing and community in Mindanao. This experience provided a platform for cross-cultural learning and meaningful dialogue—not only for him but also for the peers and mentors he engaged with.

Outside the academic sessions, Joshua joined a series of outdoor and cultural activities, including visits to local villages, a guided trek through Taman Hutan Raya Dago, exploration of Gua Belanda cave, and even water rafting. These experiences deepened his understanding of the connections between people, place, and culture from a broader, global perspective.

His participation reflects the kind of learning that Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) aims to foster—one that values both academic growth and real-world engagement, locally and internationally.

Jacky’s Cultural Immersion in Japan

Similarly, Jacky Envidiado Caro’s story stands as a beacon of inspiration. Selected for the AFS Intercultural Exchange Program, she traveled to Japan to immerse herself in language, culture, and community engagement for six months—carrying with her both the spirit of her roots and the values of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI). Jacky’s journey has inspired many students to see the world as their classroom.

One of her most memorable moments was carrying traditional Suifu Chochin lanterns for hours during a local celebration, surrounded by the rhythmic beats of taiko drums and the warmth of Japanese hospitality. She explored local cuisine, experienced her first kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi), and learned about the customs that shape daily life in Japan.

Beyond these cultural experiences, Jacky’s journey was also one of language acquisition and personal growth. Her time abroad allowed her to form meaningful connections while proudly embodying the values of her local identity and the lessons she gained from HCCCI.

Her story is a gentle reminder that cultural exchange is not just about travel—it’s about listening, learning, and discovering common ground. Jacky’s experience continues to encourage other students to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world with curiosity, openness, and respect.

Andrea’s Academic Leap to Singapore

Andrea Zynthara Laguardia—a dedicated learner, student leader, and passionate changemaker. Her acceptance into Nexus International School in Singapore under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program marks a significant milestone—not only in academics but also in her ongoing mission to grow and lead with purpose.

Andrea’s journey began in the classrooms of HCCCI, where she actively participated in virtual exchanges that first introduced her to cross-cultural connections and innovative modes of learning. As President of the Student School Government (SSG), she has consistently championed youth empowerment, civic responsibility, and inclusive leadership, extending her influence beyond campus through numerous community extension projects.

A proud recipient of the ESC and PEAC full-time scholarship, as well as HCCCI’s Presidential Scholarship, Andrea’s academic excellence and strong character have long been recognized. Now, she carries this foundation with her to Singapore, where she joins a dynamic, globally minded learning community at Nexus. With its model of open collaboration and international perspective, the school offers Andrea a platform for even greater transformation.

Her story is more than a personal triumph—it’s a quiet yet powerful affirmation that when local students are supported by a community that believes in their potential, they can shine on global stages. From her first COIL class at Holy Child to studying abroad, Andrea exemplifies the possibilities unlocked by the school’s internationalization efforts. Her achievements stand as a testament to both her resilience and the nurturing environment that Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. continues to foster—showing the world that rural learners can thrive globally, too.

HCCCI's Europe Expansion

These inspiring student journeys are made possible by a strong and ever-growing network of international partnerships. Most recently, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) further strengthened its global ties through a strategic partnership with the European Federation of Schools (FEDE)—a significant step that opens new opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, academic collaborations, and joint research initiatives. This partnership reflects HCCCI’s unwavering commitment to global engagement while remaining deeply rooted in its local identity.

This expansion into Europe is made even more meaningful through the dedicated efforts of Executive Vice President Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, MMEM, and Mr. Roelof van Buren, HCCCI’s International Relations Officer based in Europe. Their work continues to bridge continents and bring life to the school’s vision of inclusive, transformative global learning.

Already, HCCCI has begun cultivating warm and impactful relationships, including a heartening collaboration with a school in Fay, Sarthe, France. Even our youngest learners in the Basic Education Department are beginning to experience the magic of internationalization. Last December, in a joyful cross-cultural exchange, our Early Childhood and Care Development (ECCD) students sent hand-crafted holiday cards and short stories to their French counterparts—who received them with wide smiles and open hearts.

This simple yet powerful project did more than exchange artwork; it exchanged kindness, culture, and connection. It reminded us that meaningful global learning doesn’t have to wait—it can begin as early as kindergarten, carried by small hands and big hearts.

Moments like these affirm that internationalization at HCCCI is not just for the few—it is for every learner. From the earliest years, we are nurturing empathy, global awareness, and a deep sense of human connection, one experience at a time.

A Movement Rooted in Community, Powered by Collaboration

As of May 2025, these efforts have resulted in over 3,245 internationalization experiences accessed by students. COIL has been integrated into courses across education, leadership, social sciences, and communication. The school regularly hosts virtual exchanges and international symposia, maintains active partnerships with more than 45 global institutions, and is steadily positioning itself as one of the Philippine higher education system’s leaders in grassroots internationalization.

This story of growth and impact culminated in a landmark event just recently: on May 21–22, 2025, HCCCI spearheaded the Pre-Inauguration of the COIL Bayanihan Network during the International COIL Conference in General Santos City. Co-organized with the Commission on Higher Education–International Affairs Services (CHED-IAS) and CHED Regional Office XII, under the leadership of Dr. Rody P. Garcia, the event launched a national platform to help other higher education institutions across the Philippines build their own COIL capacities. The COIL Bayanihan Network stands as a testament to collective resilience, cross-cultural partnership, and the uniquely Filipino spirit of bayanihan—community cooperation—in education.

What began as a regional initiative has now blossomed into a national movement, with Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. honored to be one of its torchbearers.

This remarkable journey was made possible through CHED’s visionary leadership, especially the unwavering support and guidance of Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV, Director of CHED-IAS. Her steadfast commitment to advancing internationalization across all Philippine higher education institutions has laid the groundwork for transformative change. Locally, this vision was brought to life through the leadership of President Marivet S. Caballero and the HCCCI administration with its active Academic Director, Dr. Erwin M. Faller.

The school’s dedication to inclusive, quality education—especially for indigenous and marginalized learners—remains the driving force behind every innovation. From establishing smart classrooms to extending learning hubs powered by Starlink into remote barangays of South Cotabato, HCCCI proves that when visionary policy meets committed leadership, transformation is inevitable.

Today, Holy Child serves over 3,000 students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. These students are no longer just earning diplomas—they are building global portfolios, presenting at international conferences, and learning in classrooms that span continents. Their education is the product of progressive public policy, global collaboration, and, most importantly, the belief that their voices matter—on the world stage.

From a modest water station in Surallah to becoming a symbol of global learning, Holy Child Central Collges, Inc. journey reflects the power of listening, investing, and daring to go global—without ever losing sight of its roots.

To explore how more Filipino students are embracing international education, read the related story by Jing Castañeda on PhilStar:

🔗 How Filipino students are going global without leaving home