The delegates pose with officials from University of Guam during their visit
A distinguished delegation of academic leaders from across the Philippines recently participated in an immersive Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Guam, organized by the Guam Visitors Bureau. The initiative brought together representatives from leading colleges and universities in Manila and Iloilo to explore Guam as a strategic destination for student exchange, internships, and short-term academic immersions.
The visit provided delegates with a comprehensive view of Guam’s academic ecosystem – combining institutional assessments, campus immersions, and high-level stakeholder engagements. Across the program, participants evaluated academic offerings, student support systems, and partnership frameworks, while identifying opportunities for credit transfers, joint programs, and workforce-aligned learning experiences.
The delegates visited the Guam Community College.(L-R) Ms Catherine Solidum, GCC Assistant Director, Academic Affairs Division; Cheska Lagera-Dizon, GVB PH Account Director; Dr Lyndon Avendano, Enderun Colleges Dean of College of Business and Management; Tricia Tensuan, GVB PH VP for Marketing; Paola Espares, Enderun Colleges Sr Admissions Executive; Daniel Perez, Enderun Colleges Chief Operations Officer; Arch. Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Enderun Colleges Dean of College of Architecture and Design; Ann Hernandez, Lyceum of the Philippines – Manila Department Chairperson, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management; Pilar Perez Williams, GCC AVP; Dr. Virginia Tudela, GCC Acting President; Dr Raymund B Moreno, West Visayas State University – Iloilo Dean of College of Business and Hospitality Management; Medalla P Baliao, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Dean of College Hospitality Management; Dr Marivis Gangoso, University of San Agustin – Iloilo Dean of College of Business Management; Prof. Charmain Lyn Magapan, University of San Agustin – Iloilo Academic Supervisor; Dr Maria Amihan Panes, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Program Head for Tourism; Prof. Ismael Almajar, Jr., Central Philippine University – Iloilo Program Coordinator, Student Internship Abroad and Internationalization Program; Jane Jaspe, Owner, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Edutourism); Prof. Lesley Joy Dignadice, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Director of Local and International Linkages and Affiliations; Nina Jaspe, Marketing Manager, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Outbound Tourism); Dr. Ma Flora Collado, West Visayas State University – Iloilo Program Head, College of Business and Hospitality Management
Central to the visit were discussions with University of Guam and Guam Community College.
At UOG, delegates engaged with senior leadership to explore opportunities in credit transfer systems, joint academic programs, and research collaboration. The university also showcased its global learning framework and student support systems designed for international learners.
“We are excited to explore partnerships with Philippine colleges and universities, especially given our shared cultural ties and the thriving Filipino community here on Guam. As a next step, we look forward to securing MOAs and, in the near future, welcoming both faculty and students from this delegation,” said Dr Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost of the University of Guam.
The delegates did a courtesy visit to the office of Lt. Governor of Guam, Hon. Joshua “Josh” Tenorio. (Top row, L-R) Donald Taitano, Enderun Colleges Micronesia Consultant; Cheska Lagera-Dizon, GVB PH Account Director; Sharlene Guerrero, GVB Senior Marketing Manager – Philippines; Dr Lyndon Avendano, Enderun Colleges Dean of College of Business and Management; Prof. Charmain Lyn Magapan, University of San Agustin – Iloilo Academic Supervisor; Ms Paola Espares, Enderun Colleges Sr Admissions Executive; Tricia Tensuan, GVB PH VP for Marketing; Arch. Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Enderun Colleges Dean of College of Architecture and Design; Daniel Perez, Enderun Colleges Chief Operations Officer; Prof. Lesley Joy Dignadice, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Director of Local and International Linkages and Affiliations; Dr. Ma Flora Collado, West Visayas State University – Iloilo Program Head, College of Business and Hospitality Management; Medalla P Baliao, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Dean of College Hospitality Management; Ms Jane Jaspe, Owner, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Edutourism), Dr Maria Amihan Panes, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Program Head for Tourism; Nina Jaspe, Marketing Manager, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Outbound Tourism); Dr Raymund B Moreno, West Visayas State University Dean of College of Business and Hospitality Management; Prof. Ismael Almajar, Jr., Program Coordinator, Student Internship Abroad and Internationalization Program; Ms Ann Hernandez, Lyceum of the Philippines – Manila Department Chairperson, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management; Akemi Aguon, GVB Marketing Manager – Philippines; (Bottom row, L-R) Ina Carillo, GVB Director of Destination Management; Mark Manglona, GVB Acting Global Marketing Director; Clynton Ridgell, Office of the Governor of Guam Deputy Chief of Staff; Joshua “Josh” Tenorio, Lieutenant Governor of Guam; Frank Arriola, GVB Vice President; Brian Artero, GVB Board Director; Dr Mari
Meanwhile, GCC highlighted its strong focus on applied education and workforce development, presenting technical training programs and internship pathways aligned with industry needs.
“In Guam, many of our people are Filipinos, part-Filipinos, or connected to the Filipino community in one way or another, which makes it especially meaningful to explore partnership opportunities with like-minded institutions. We look forward to collaborating with these reputable institutions as a pathway that benefits both their students and ours alike,” shared Dr Virginia Tudela, Acting President of Guam Community College.
The delegation also conducted a courtesy visit to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, meeting with Hon. Joshua “Josh” Tenorio. Discussions underscored the strong and enduring relationship between Guam and the Philippines, particularly in education, workforce development, and cultural exchange.
The delegates visited the Guam Visitors Bureau and met with the Filipino Community of Guam. (Top row, L-R) Akemi Aguon, GVB Marketing Manager – Philippines; Sharlene Guerrero, GVB Sr Marketing Manager – Philippines; Dr Raymund B Moreno, West Visayas State University Dean of College of Business and Hospitality Management; Ma Flora Collado, West Visayas State University – Iloilo Program Head, College of Business and Hospitality Management; Nina Jaspe, Marketing Manager, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Outbound Tourism); Jane Jaspe, Owner, Iloilo Skyways Travel Agency (Edutourism); Ann Hernandez, Lyceum of the Philippines – Manila Department Chairperson, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management; Prof. Charmain Lyn Magapan, University of San Agustin – Iloilo Academic Supervisor; Cheska Lagera-Dizon, GVB PH Account Director(Bottom row, L-R) Prof. Ismael Almajar, Jr., Program Coordinator, Student Internship Abroad and Internationalization Program; Prof. Lesley Joy Dignadice, Director of Local and International Linkages and Affiliations; Ms Medalla P Baliao, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Dean of College Hospitality Management; Dr Maria Amihan Panes, Central Philippine University – Iloilo Program Head for Tourism; Paola Espares, Enderun Colleges Sr Admissions Executive; Edna Rebanal, President of the Filipino Community of Guam; Regine Biscoe Lee, GVB President & CEO; Tricia Tensuan, GVB PH VP for Marketing; Arch. Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Enderun Colleges Dean of College of Architecture and Design; Dr Marivis Gangoso, University of San Agustin – Iloilo Dean of College of Business Management; Nadine Leon Guerrero, GVB Director of Global Marketing
“Guam and the Philippines share deep historical and cultural ties that continue to shape our connections today. We are optimistic about strengthening these relationships further, especially with ongoing discussions around the CNMI Visa Waiver Program for the Philippines. We remain hopeful for its approval, as it will significantly enhance mobility and open more opportunities for academic and workforce collaboration between our regions,” Tenorio noted.
The delegation included representatives from:
Enderun Colleges (Manila)
Lyceum of the Philippines University (Manila)
Central Philippine University (Iloilo)
West Visayas State University (Iloilo)
University of San Agustin (Iloilo)
The visit has already generated strong momentum among participating institutions. Central Philippine University is currently preparing to send faculty members to Guam for benchmarking activities, signaling early-stage academic collaboration.
Enderun Colleges, which has previously deployed students to Guam for internships and immersion programs, also expressed intent to expand these opportunities further as partnerships are formalized.
Other institutions in the delegation, including Lyceum of the Philippines University, West Visayas State University, and University of San Agustin, have an established track record of sending interns to the mainland United States. Representatives from these institutions shared that they are encouraged by the opportunity to explore Guam as an alternative U.S. destination-citing its close proximity to the Philippines and its familiar cultural environment, shaped by strong Filipino ties, as key advantages for student mobility and overall experience.
The FAM Trip concluded with a shared commitment to advancing discussions toward formal agreements, including memoranda of understanding (MOUs), pilot exchange programs, and structured internship pathways.
As Guam continues to position itself as a hub for international academic collaboration, initiatives like this reflect a growing alignment between Philippine institutions and Guam-based partners-creating pathways for globally relevant education, practical experience, and meaningful cultural exchange.
“Guam is uniquely positioned as the most accessible and culturally prepared U.S. destination for Philippine students, offering a world-class academic experience just a short flight away,” said Mr. Frank Arriola, Vice President of Guam Visitors Bureau. “This FAM trip is a vital step in promoting education tourism, which not only drives visitor arrivals but also fosters deep cultural and educational exchange that will enrich both our communities for years to come.”
The delegates pose with officials from University of Guam during their visit
A distinguished delegation of academic leaders from across the Philippines recently participated in an immersive Familiarization (FAM) Trip to Guam, organized by the Guam Visitors Bureau. The initiative brought together representatives from leading colleges and universities in Manila and Iloilo to explore Guam as a strategic destination for student exchange, internships, and short-term academic immersions.
The visit provided delegates with a comprehensive view of Guam’s academic ecosystem – combining institutional assessments, campus immersions, and high-level stakeholder engagements. Across the program, participants evaluated academic offerings, student support systems, and partnership frameworks, while identifying opportunities for credit transfers, joint programs, and workforce-aligned learning experiences.
Central to the visit were discussions with University of Guam and Guam Community College.
At UOG, delegates engaged with senior leadership to explore opportunities in credit transfer systems, joint academic programs, and research collaboration. The university also showcased its global learning framework and student support systems designed for international learners.
“We are excited to explore partnerships with Philippine colleges and universities, especially given our shared cultural ties and the thriving Filipino community here on Guam. As a next step, we look forward to securing MOAs and, in the near future, welcoming both faculty and students from this delegation,” said Dr Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost of the University of Guam.
Meanwhile, GCC highlighted its strong focus on applied education and workforce development, presenting technical training programs and internship pathways aligned with industry needs.
“In Guam, many of our people are Filipinos, part-Filipinos, or connected to the Filipino community in one way or another, which makes it especially meaningful to explore partnership opportunities with like-minded institutions. We look forward to collaborating with these reputable institutions as a pathway that benefits both their students and ours alike,” shared Dr Virginia Tudela, Acting President of Guam Community College.
The delegation also conducted a courtesy visit to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, meeting with Hon. Joshua “Josh” Tenorio. Discussions underscored the strong and enduring relationship between Guam and the Philippines, particularly in education, workforce development, and cultural exchange.
“Guam and the Philippines share deep historical and cultural ties that continue to shape our connections today. We are optimistic about strengthening these relationships further, especially with ongoing discussions around the CNMI Visa Waiver Program for the Philippines. We remain hopeful for its approval, as it will significantly enhance mobility and open more opportunities for academic and workforce collaboration between our regions,” Tenorio noted.
The delegation included representatives from:
The visit has already generated strong momentum among participating institutions. Central Philippine University is currently preparing to send faculty members to Guam for benchmarking activities, signaling early-stage academic collaboration.
Enderun Colleges, which has previously deployed students to Guam for internships and immersion programs, also expressed intent to expand these opportunities further as partnerships are formalized.
Other institutions in the delegation, including Lyceum of the Philippines University, West Visayas State University, and University of San Agustin, have an established track record of sending interns to the mainland United States. Representatives from these institutions shared that they are encouraged by the opportunity to explore Guam as an alternative U.S. destination-citing its close proximity to the Philippines and its familiar cultural environment, shaped by strong Filipino ties, as key advantages for student mobility and overall experience.
The FAM Trip concluded with a shared commitment to advancing discussions toward formal agreements, including memoranda of understanding (MOUs), pilot exchange programs, and structured internship pathways.
As Guam continues to position itself as a hub for international academic collaboration, initiatives like this reflect a growing alignment between Philippine institutions and Guam-based partners-creating pathways for globally relevant education, practical experience, and meaningful cultural exchange.
“Guam is uniquely positioned as the most accessible and culturally prepared U.S. destination for Philippine students, offering a world-class academic experience just a short flight away,” said Mr. Frank Arriola, Vice President of Guam Visitors Bureau. “This FAM trip is a vital step in promoting education tourism, which not only drives visitor arrivals but also fosters deep cultural and educational exchange that will enrich both our communities for years to come.”
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