By: Genevieve Balance Kupang
Dumaguete City, Philippines. The 5th Annual Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) Conference was a landmark event, held from July 9-11, 2025, in the vibrant Dumaguete City. The Philippines proudly hosted this international gathering, co-organized by Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Silliman University (SU), St. Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD), and Siquijor State College (SSC), with invaluable support from the City Mayor’s Office and Dumaguete’s 2nd District Congress Office. University leaders, change-makers, and internationalization champions from across the globe—including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan—fostered collaboration and innovation on an international scale. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change,” resonated with the collective aspiration to redefine the role of universities in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Captured at Rizal Boulevard on July 8, 2025, this timeless image shows the pioneering SPC Sisters’ historic disembarkation, their mission set in motion. Poised beside the marker chronicling their courageous arrival, they embody the spirit of a faith that birthed St. Paul University Dumaguete. It’s the visual DNA of transformative education in the City of Gentle People, a powerful reminder of how profound an impact a few dedicated hearts can have on an entire community.
From the moment delegates arrived, Dumaguete’s charm and warm hospitality set a heartfelt tone for the conference. More than just messages and presentations, it was a living celebration of collaboration and shared learning. The local co-hosts who welcomed delegates into the university halls went above and beyond– from airport greetings to cultural performances, nourishing meals, meaningful conversations that sparked expanded partnerships, and innovation lessons. Amid the crisp sea breeze and genuine smiles, formal academic walls softened, allowing ideas and friendships to flourish naturally. This was a gathering of hearts, minds, and consciousness united in purpose, where connections were forged beyond institutional affiliations.
Registration and distribution of conference kits were efficiently handled by Silliman University and Siquijor State College (SSC). In the foreground, SSC Extension Director Dr. Philna S. Palongpong (SSC) hands a kit to Dr. Amalia G. De La Cruz of the University of Luzon.
HLU President-Elect Yasi: Welcomes Delegates to the City of Gentle People
The opening ceremonies set a dynamic tone, with Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, NORSU President and HLU President-elect, delivering a moving welcome address. Dr. Yasi expressed: “…This year’s conference theme, Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change, aligns with global challenges—from climate urgency to digital disruption—where our role as educators and innovators is pivotal. This calls us to strengthen partnerships, advance sustainable solutions, and reimagine education’s future. Let us explore themes like cross-cultural research, student mobility, and technology’s role in shaping inclusive learning.
As host for this year’s HLU Conference, together with Silliman University, Siquijor State College, and St. Paul University of Dumaguete, thank you for your participation, and we graciously welcome you all. Your presence truly enriches this dialogue. May this conference ignite bold ideas and actionable collaborations.” Toward the end of his welcome remarks, Yasi quoted Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, NORSU President, delves into the historical roots of the Hanseatic League, an ancient alliance of cities renowned for fostering prosperity and protection through trust and collaboration.
HLU Board Member Darilag: Innovation with Integrity
Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, a former CHED Commissioner and esteemed HLU Board Member, delivered a compelling reflection on the pivotal role of educators and institutions, urging a radical rethink of our educational landscape. With the visionary insight characteristic of his addresses, Dr. Darilag articulated the essence of the conference’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Empowering Change.”
“We shatter barriers,” he declared, “when we dismantle antiquated systems, when we broaden our definition of excellence to genuinely embrace inclusion, when we liberate knowledge from colonial imprints, equalize opportunity, and champion diversity not merely as rhetoric but as an unwavering standard.” His words underscored a deep commitment to a more equitable and relevant educational paradigm.
He elucidated that the true genesis of empowering change lies in equipping individuals with profound purpose, expansive perspective, and authentic power. This foundational empowerment, he stressed, is paramount.
“Innovation for its own sake is insufficient,” Dr. Darilag asserted with conviction. “As members of the HLU, our charge is to innovate with integrity. We are called to champion research that genuinely resolves real-world challenges. We must lead the vanguard in sustainability, digital equity, lifelong learning, and social impact – not confined within our institutional walls, but resonating across borders and disciplines.” His message was a powerful call to action, demanding an ethical, holistic, and globally conscious approach to educational leadership.
A prelude to the 5th HLU Conference, SU’s Dance Troupe and Orkestra Sin Arco opened with an exquisite cultural performance, featuring graceful folk dancers and the harmonious musical ensemble.
HLU’s Journey to the Philippines, Dr. Dong-Sung Cho’s Message
Dr. Dong-Sung Cho, Honorary President of HLU and Chair of the WURI Foundation, warmly recalled his inspiring conversation with Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag at a previous HLU conference in Europe, where the idea of the Philippines hosting the 5th gathering first took root. He expressed heartfelt gratitude that this vision has now flourished into one of the most memorable gatherings yet.
Cho traced HLU’s roots back to 2018, when ten university presidents convened at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen—a place inspired by the medieval Hanseatic League. This historic alliance of nearly 200 cities once governed global trade and politics, embodying the spirit of prosperity and protection.
Reflecting on this legacy, Cho shared how HLU carries forward the Hanseatic tradition of collaboration among universities worldwide. As the league’s second president, after hosting the 2019 conference in Incheon National University, he, as the 15th president of INU, helped champion the creation of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI)—a fresh way to recognize universities driving real change.
Starting with just 200 members, WURI has grown into a global community of 1,253 innovative institutions from 87 countries, showcasing 4,866 groundbreaking programs. Today, it stands as a respected and influential ranking system—a testament to vision, collaboration, and the transformative power of innovation.
President Emeritus Dong-Sung Cho, honorary HLU president and WURI founder, warmly expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag and the co-host universities for their exceptional efforts in hosting the 5th HLU Conference. Credit: Siquijor State College.
The Conference unfolded with profound insights, featuring three distinguished plenary session speakers. Delegates learned from the wisdom of trailblazing minds: Dr. Carlito E. Balita, the visionary founder, president, and CEO of the Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center, shared his expertise. He was joined by Dr. Dina S. Ocampo, an esteemed professor from the University of the Philippines, and Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, the esteemed CHED chair, who each illuminated critical facets of higher education.
The HLU delegates stand in unified anticipation, their poised posture reflecting readiness to engage with fellow transformative innovators unfolding before them. Photo Credit: Genevieve Balance Kupang
As the afternoon of July 9, 2025, unfolded, the Conference seamlessly transitioned from plenary insights into a series of dynamic breakout sessions, strategically dispersed across three esteemed campuses. Each venue became a nexus for specialized discourse, deepening the conference’s thematic exploration. St. Paul University Dumaguete, with its enduring commitment to Catholic holistic formation, graciously hosted discussions on “Student Support and Engagement,” expertly guided by Dr. Mary Francis Laquinon, head of SPUD’s International Relations Office and Continuing Education.
Concurrently, Silliman University, a beacon of academic excellence, served as the vibrant hub for an engaging session on “Entrepreneurial Spirit.” This insightful session was facilitated by Dr. Dave E. Marcial, the esteemed Director of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center.
Meanwhile, Negros Oriental State University, demonstrating its broad academic purview, amiably hosted two critical breakout sessions: “Student Mobility and Openness,” by Ms. Chesa Filosofo, fostering dialogue on global educational pathways, and “Ethics and Integrity,” thoughtfully facilitated by Dr. Ruji P. Medina Siquijor State College Director for Strategic Planning, Engagement, Accreditation, and Rankings (SPEAR).
Dr. Ryan O. Tayco, NORSU’s Campus Director and Planning and Development Director, along with other organizers, poses with Vice President Dr. Yung-Ping Tseng, Taiwan’s National Chi Nan University, Dr. Kang Kyung Su, Chair of Tongmyung University and Conference Host, with two other South Korean leaders and innovators.
Stand by for the next in the series.
5th Annual Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) Conference
Photo credits: 5th HLU Conference Facebook Page
#5thHLUatDumaguete
#5thHanseaticLeagueofUniversities
#ThankYouDumaguetethecityofgentlepeople
#2025AnnouncementofWURIRankings
About the Author:
Genevieve Balance Kupang is the WURI historian for 2024-2025.
