by Eliseo F. Huesca Jr., VPREP
TOKYO, JAPAN — Reinforcing its commitment to the internationalization of Philippine higher education, a four-member delegation from Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), led by College President, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, played a pivotal role in the 5th Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) Conference held at the United Nations University (UNU) on March 4–7, 2026.
As one of only two conference partners from the Philippines, DNSC contributed significantly to the global dialogue hosted by NERPS at Hiroshima University and the UNU. The prestigious event featured high-level insights from keynote speakers Dr. Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), and Rumiko Seya, President of Reach Alternatives (REALs).
The DNSC delegation served as integral pillars of the conference’s academic framework rather than mere participants. Joining President Sorrosa were Prof. Eliseo F. Huesca Jr. (VP for Research, Development, and Extension), Dr. Leo D. Rayon Jr. (Director for Research and Development), and Dr. Charlo Bianci M. Guray (Director of Business and Auxiliary Services).
This expert team showcased the College’s burgeoning expertise in the fields of peace and sustainability by serving on the Scientific Committee, acting as peer reviewers, session chairs, and delivering research paper presentations to an international audience.
A definitive highlight of the mission was the strategic formalization of a new international partnership. On the sidelines of the conference, President Sorrosa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Prof. Masaru Ichihashi, Director of the IDEC Institute at Hiroshima University. This agreement marks a significant milestone in DNSC’s mission to foster global academic collaboration, paving the way for future research initiatives and institutional exchanges between the Philippines and Japan.
Beyond the conference proper, the delegation actively sought to broaden DNSC’s network through a series of high-level exploratory meetings. The team visited Prof. Wataru Kusaka at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies to discuss potential engagements in the coming months. Additionally, the delegation visited Tsukuba University for informal talks aimed at expanding the College’s initial gains and securing further headways in international academic cooperation.
