ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA - The City College of Angeles (CCA) and Panpacific University have initiated exploratory talks to build a strategic academic partnership focused on internationalization, collaborative research, and graduate education. The discussions, held at CCA's campus, aim to broaden professional development opportunities for CCA faculty members, launch joint research projects, and advance the global internationalization goals of both institutions . This milestone marks a forward-looking step for CCA as it continues to expand its institutional linkages and strengthen its academic and research ecosystems.
Building Bridges for Global Competitiveness
The partnership aligns with Panpacific University's recent achievement of autonomous status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a recognition that enables the university to implement programs addressing societal challenges, prepare students for global competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable development . As one of only two institutions in Region 1 to attain this status, Panpacific brings a strong track record of quality education and international engagement to the collaboration. This autonomy empowers the university to expand its reach through online distance learning, invest in infrastructure, and create partnerships with international academic institutions.
A Shared Vision for Excellence
The meeting brought together key leaders from both institutions, with CCA represented by College President Dr. Janet B. Lazatin, Executive Vice President Basty Sebastian, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carolina Sarmiento. Panpacific University's delegation was spearheaded by Dr. Rhonda Padilla and Dr. Engelbert Pasag, who serves as Vice President for Internationalization and brings extensive experience teaching in South Korea and serving as president of Passage to ASEAN (P2A) Philippines . This partnership is expected to create meaningful opportunities that elevate academic quality and foster sustained institutional and international growth . By combining CCA's commitment to accessible education with Panpacific's track record of research and global engagement, the collaboration positions both institutions to produce graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
