Three graduate students from the School of Education (SEd) proudly represented the University of San Carlos in the Twin College Envoys Program (TWINCLE) at Chiba University, Japan, from July 24 to August 8, 2025. 

Supported by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), the program brought together young leaders from ASEAN countries for academic, cultural, and professional exchange.

The delegation included Argie Anthony C. Inciso (Ph.D. in Education–Curriculum and Instruction), Cristobal A. Rabuya Jr. (Ph.D. in Education–Research and Evaluation), and Maricon dela Vega Laplana (M.A. in Science Education–Biology). 

Prior to the trip, participants engaged in online sessions on Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, including workshops and research presentations.

A highlight of the program was the 27th International Research Presentation Conference, where Inciso presented his work on Multidisciplinary Curriculum Integration, while Rabuya discussed Teacher Education Students’ Views on Generative AI, and Laplana shared her Lesson Study on Teaching Nature and Sources of Light. The event was followed by an SDG workshop where students collaborated on sustainability solutions.

Beyond academics, participants experienced Japanese culture and industry through visits to the National Museum of Japanese History, Sakura Village, and ZOZO, Inc., guided by Chiba University faculty. 

For their JASSO lab assignments, Inciso and Rabuya studied Japanese mathematics education with Professors Matsuo and Isobe, while Laplana conducted biology research with Professors Nomura and Tsuji, working on PCR, DNA/protein analysis, cell culture, and gel electrophoresis.

The TWINCLE Program was more than a study tour, it was a transformative journey that enriched academic expertise, fostered cross-cultural understanding, and strengthened international partnerships.

With reporting from Dr. Rita May Tagalog, Ed.D.-ISRM