The UP System Office of International Linkages (OIL) in collaboration with UPLB OIL and UP Open University (UPOU), successfully hosted the third iteration of HALIKA: Harnessing Linkage Opportunities for Knowledge Advancement on October 15 to 16, 2024.

The roadshow began at the UPOU headquarters, combining both in-person and virtual formats, marking a return to hybrid events since the initial virtual launch in July 2022.

HALIKA 2024 is part of UP OIL’s ongoing efforts to promote internationalization across the UP System. During the event, UP OIL presented a variety of financial assistance programs available to UP faculty, staff, and students, designed to support their international mobility and research endeavors.

Past grantees shared their experiences, illustrating how these opportunities have enriched their academic and professional development.

Angela Rose Lalas, an undergraduate student from the College of Agriculture and Food Science, shared her experience of participating in a student exchange at Sookmyung Women’s University in South Korea, a partner institution of the UP System. 

Lalas explained how the exchange enriched her academic journey and encouraged fellow students to apply for similar mobility programs offered by UPS and UPLB. 

She availed herself of the Mobility for Vigor and Excellence-UP (MOVE-UP) Program, which provides funding for undergraduate students to engage in student exchanges, virtual learning, internships, and degree-related research.

Maria Claret L. Tsuchiya, faculty member at the UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences, discussed her experience with the Continuous Operational and Outcomes-based Partnership for Excellence in Research and Academic Training Enhancement (COOPERATE) Grant.

COOPERATE supports graduate students and their advisers in conducting research at international partner universities.

Tsuchiya and her MS advisee visited Ehime University in Japan for 17 days and three months, respectively. She encouraged other faculty members and students to avail themselves of the grant, noting that access to advanced facilities at partner universities significantly benefits research, particularly for studies that are difficult to conduct locally.

Other key financial assistance programs highlighted during the roadshow were the Research/Creative Work Presentation in International Conferences (travel grant), which supports UP faculty, staff, and graduate students in presenting their research at international conferences; World Expert Lecture Series (WELS), which offers financial support for hosting special lectures or performances by world-renowned experts; and Hosting of International Conferences Grant, which provides assistance in organizing international conferences at UP.

UPLB OIL Director Anna Floresca F. Firmalino also discussed UPLB’s ongoing internationalization initiatives and the additional grants available to further expand opportunities for international collaboration.

On October 16, a consultation meeting was held at UPLB OIL, attended by UP, UPLB, and UPOU to discuss the implementation of UP OIL programs at the university level to foster better coordination and ensure effective program execution.

The roadshow concluded with a cultural and immersive tour facilitated by UPLB OIL. Maria Dominique Velasco of UPLB OIL led UP OIL participants on an onboard tour of UPLB with key stops at the Makiling Botanic Gardens and the Dairy Training and Research Institute. 
The HALIKA 2024 roadshow continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering partnerships, advancing internationalization efforts, and promoting global educational and research collaborations within the UP System. (Maria Dominique C. Velasco)