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CMC Continues Immersive Cultural Engagement during Days 2 and 3 of the ASEAN Month 2026 Expo

Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), through the Center for International Affairs and Linkages (CIAL), actively participated in the second and third days of the ASEAN Month 2026 Expo held on August 5 and 6, 2026, at KCC Marbel, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The continuing celebration gathered Higher Education Institutions, government agencies, and partner organizations across Region XII in promoting ASEAN identity, regional solidarity, and intercultural understanding through meaningful cultural exchanges and interactive learning experiences.

A highlight of the second day of the celebration was the visit of CHED Regional Director Rody P. Garcia, MDM, JD, Ed.D., who delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the significance of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship in 2026 and the vital role of higher education institutions in fostering regional cooperation, cultural appreciation, and internationalization. His message reaffirmed the importance of strengthening collaboration among educational institutions in advancing a globally engaged and ASEAN-oriented academic community.

Throughout the two-day expo, delegates and participants immersed themselves in a series of ASEAN Culture and Crafts Workshops facilitated by the different country teams. These engaging activities showcased the rich cultural traditions and artistic heritage of the ASEAN Member States, providing participants with meaningful opportunities to appreciate the region's diverse customs, traditions, and creative expressions.

Among the featured workshops were Basket Weaving, Malaysian Traditional Dance, Burmese Thanakha Makeup and Jasmine Flower Garland Making, Timorese Mini Palm Leaf and Paper Weaving, and Vietnamese Cuisine and Múa Nón (Conical Hat Dance). Each workshop offered participants hands-on cultural experiences that fostered creativity, intercultural appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the unique identities and shared values of the ASEAN community.

CMC's active participation throughout the ASEAN Month 2026 Expo reflects the institution's continuing commitment to advancing internationalization by promoting intercultural dialogue, regional engagement, and experiential learning beyond the classroom. Through meaningful collaboration with fellow Higher Education Institutions and regional partners, the College continues to strengthen its role in cultivating globally competent students and educators who embrace cultural diversity and regional cooperation.

Aligned with the Institution's internationalization agenda, the initiative advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting global citizenship and intercultural learning, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by fostering mutual understanding and regional cooperation among ASEAN Member States, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and regional stakeholders in advancing shared educational, cultural, and development initiatives.

As Central Mindanao Colleges continues to strengthen its engagement in regional and international initiatives, its participation in the ASEAN Month 2026 Expo reflects the institution's unwavering commitment to building bridges across cultures, celebrating ASEAN diversity, and creating transformative learning experiences that prepare students to become globally competent and culturally responsive citizens.

Through meaningful cultural exchanges and collaborative regional initiatives, CMC remains steadfast in its mission of nurturing future-ready graduates who value diversity, embrace international perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community.

Publishers: CMC Cial Activities