BAGUIO CITY – The Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) significantly advanced its alignment with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) ACHIEVE Framework by actively participating in the Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation – Upscaling Programs and Projects, Leveraging Internationalization and Futures Thinking (FLAIR-UPLIFT) 2025 Masterclass. Held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, the Masterclass was a continuing initiative of CHED-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to bolster the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Cordillera. Led by President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., the ASIST delegation engaged in intensive sessions focused on strengthening four key pillars of the national agenda: Harmonized SDG-based Higher Education Research and Innovation Agenda; Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies; Integrated Real-Time Data Collection and Analytics System; and Vitalized Policies, Internal Systems, and Governance.
Throughout the two-day event, the ASIST delegates were immersed in advanced strategies for global engagement, directly addressing the Framework's call for Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization Strategies. The program featured critical discussions on quality assurance initiatives, essential for Vitalized Policies, Internal Systems, and Governance, and establishing SDG Corners, which supports the Harmonized SDG-based Higher Education Research and Innovation Agenda. Furthermore, sessions on leveraging data storytelling for rankings were central to the pillar of an Integrated Real-Time Data Collection and Analytics System, enabling HEIs to better track and position their achievements.
A major highlight that underscored ASIST’s commitment to achieving global excellence was its recognition at the Gawad Parangal sa Pandaigdigang Kahusayan. ASIST was a proud recipient of an award for its impressive global standing, having been ranked 179 in the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). This significant achievement not only validated ASIST's current programs but also cemented its commitment to elevating its programs and visibility on the international stage, directly serving the goal of Effective and Efficient Public Service by providing quality, globally recognized education. The Masterclass successfully strengthened ASIST's preparedness for global challenges, ensuring its continuous elevation of programs in line with CHED’s strategic ACHIEVE roadmap for the Philippine higher education sector.
