Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy conducted a series of academic visits to the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges from 5 to 7 August 2026. The visits are part of FICS’ commitment to the LC Lead Project, strengthening opportunities for collaboration in education, workforce development, and internationalization.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) delegation is headed by Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano. The broader Philippine delegation included Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong, CHED Director Dr. Lora L. Yusi, and presidents and senior administrators from community colleges across the Philippines. The institutional visits focused on expanding internationalization, workforce readiness, and technical education across three key campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi System: Kapiʻolani Community College, Leeward Community College, and Honolulu Community College.
At Kapiʻolani Community College on August 5, the UPOU delegation met with Chancellor Dr. Misaki Takabayashi. Discussions focused on aligning higher education with community needs, advancing career and technical education (CTE), and fostering student success in Pacific Island communities.
Chancellor Serrano, Dr. Pugoy, and Dean Figueroa (seated third, fifth, and sixth from left, respectively) during the courtesy visit at Kapiʻolani Community College. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Misaki Takabayashi and Kapiʻolani Community College )
The academic exchanges continued on 7 August at Leeward Community College, where the delegation was welcomed with a traditional campus oli (chant) before meeting with campus administrators and stakeholders. Discussions covered Hawaiʻi’s community college model, workforce development, student success, industry partnerships, and global education.
Dr. Pugoy (seated, far left) with the CHED Delegation during the courtesy visit at Leeward Community College. (Photo courtesy of Leeward Community College)
The delegation also visited Honolulu Community College on the same day, where conversations centered on technical-vocational training, hands-on workforce development, and applied learning models designed to prepare students for evolving local and international labor markets.
For FICS, the engagement strengthened academic linkages with institutions in Hawaiʻi and opened opportunities for knowledge exchange and future collaboration in education and emerging approaches to learning. The participation of FICS leaders also supports the Faculty’s continuing engagement in international academic initiatives and its contribution to discussions on innovative and accessible approaches to education.
Written by: Loren Sta. Ana
Edited by: Dr. Roberto B. Figuero, Jr. and Asst. Prof. Shaira F. Tanay