NAGA CITY, Philippines — Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), through its College of Education, successfully conducted the Regional SPARK-COIL Champions Training on July 20–21, 2026 at the Bro. Richard Michael Fernando, SJ Hall, bringing together faculty members and academic leaders from higher education institutions across the Bicol Region to strengthen capacities in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and expand opportunities for meaningful internationalization at home.
Anchored on the theme, “Global Partnerships, Local Impact: Reimagining Education through SPARK-COIL,” the two-day training formed part of the SPARK-COIL (Strengthen and Promote Academic Agility, Resilience, and Knowledge Exchange through Collaborative Online International Learning) initiative, an Erasmus+ co-funded project of the European Union involving Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan, Universidad de Alicante (Spain), and Akademia WSB (Poland).
The regional training gathered representatives from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol University, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Catanduanes State University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Osmeña Colleges, Sorsogon State University, and Universidad de Santa Isabel de Naga, Inc. Their participation reflected a shared commitment among Bicol’s higher education institutions to strengthen internationalization, promote innovative teaching practices, and expand global learning opportunities for students through collaborative academic partnerships.
The program opened with welcome remarks and a statement of purpose by Dr. Maria Luz T. Badiola, SPARK-COIL Project Manager, followed by inspirational messages from Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, SJ, University President of Ateneo de Naga University, and Karen C. Sunico, SPARK-COIL Project Lead from Ateneo de Manila University. Their messages underscored the transformative role of global academic collaboration in preparing educators and students for an increasingly interconnected world.
The first day introduced participants to the foundations and pedagogy of COIL. Sessions covered the overview of the SPARK-COIL project, the principles of Collaborative Online International Learning, constructive alignment in designing COIL courses, assessment strategies that cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving, and intercultural communication, competence, and sensitivity. A writeshop enabled participants to begin developing their own COIL-integrated course plans, translating theory into practical classroom applications.
Day two focused on the implementation and sustainability of COIL initiatives. Participants explored digital technologies that enhance learner engagement, navigated the SPARK-COIL platform to identify prospective international collaborators, examined strategies for addressing implementation challenges, and developed institutional implementation plans. The training concluded with the signing of the commitment contract by the new COIL Champions, symbolizing their pledge to promote globally connected learning experiences within their respective institutions.
The training featured resource persons and COIL Champions Dr. Maria Luz T. Badiola, Mr. Paolo Jose R. Silang, Mrs. Marianne A. Permale, Mr. Joshua C. Martinez, and Dr. Marshal Q. Murillo, whose expertise guided participants through the pedagogical, technological, and collaborative dimensions of COIL.
Beyond equipping educators with technical competencies, the Regional SPARK-COIL Champions Training reaffirmed Ateneo de Naga University’s commitment to educational innovation and internationalization. By empowering faculty members to design globally connected courses without requiring students to travel abroad, the initiative expands access to quality international learning experiences while fostering intercultural competence, collaboration, and digital fluency.
The training also demonstrated the University’s strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By strengthening educators’ capacities to deliver innovative and inclusive instruction while fostering collaboration among higher education institutions in the Bicol Region and international partner universities in Europe, the initiative contributes to improving the quality of higher education and expanding equitable access to global learning. At the same time, it exemplifies how strategic academic partnerships can drive innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable institutional development across borders.
As the newest COIL Champions return to their institutions, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills to implement Collaborative Online International Learning but also a shared vision of creating classrooms where local learners engage meaningfully with global perspectives—demonstrating that impactful internationalization begins with strong partnerships, innovative educators, and a commitment to transforming learning for the benefit of communities both locally and globally.
