CSE Students Participate in an Experiential Learning Program
at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
From May 10 to May 16th, 2026, the School of Economics (CSE) - Can Tho University organized a short-term exchange program for 18 outstanding students at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Philippines. The program not only enabled students to access an international educational environment but also provided opportunities for academic discourse, cultural immersion, and the enhancement of integration skills within the context of globalization. Established in 1909, UPLB is a premier public university within the University of the Philippines System, located in the town of Los Baños, Laguna province. It holds the distinction of having the largest campus in the entire system. Notably, UPLB manages the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve - an ASEAN Heritage Park - which constitutes a vast academic ecological space that effectively supports research, learning, and environmental conservation. Furthermore, UPLB has solidified its position as a highly prestigious institution in agriculture and forestry, consistently ranking among the top 200 universities globally in these disciplines.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students at the main gate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños
During the itinerary at UPLB, the School of Economics (CSE) delegation was welcomed at the College of Economics and Management (CEM) and the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (DAEE), where they were introduced to CEM’s affiliated departments, research institutes, and academic programs. Here, the CSE delegation also attended seminars on Behavioral Economics, the Philippine Banking Sector, and Sustainable Finance, thereby gaining access to specialized knowledge and practical perspectives across economics, finance, and sustainable development.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students at the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (DAEE), College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños.
CSE students receiving certificates of attendance for the seminars at the College of Economics and Management (CEM) – UPLB, Philippines.
On Tuesday morning, May 12th, 2026, the students had the opportunity to visit the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). This is a regional organization specializing in agricultural development, with a mission to promote sustainable agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia through education, research, and knowledge management. Established in 1966, SEARCA is currently headquartered within the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students visiting the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
On Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026, students from the School of Economics (CSE) visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Here, the delegation received an overview of IRRI, its ongoing research programs, and short- and long-term academic opportunities for students and researchers. Following this, the delegation toured the Rice Genebank and learned about research on greenhouse gas emissions in rice production, thereby gaining insights into the role of science and technology in sustainable agricultural development and in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students visiting the Rice Genebank at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
On Wednesday morning, May 13th, 2026, the School of Economics (CSE) students visited the Makiling Botanic Gardens, a 300-hectare botanical reserve situated at the foothills of Mount Makiling in Laguna province. Established in 1963, the gardens conserve thousands of indigenous plant species to support scientific research while offering eco-tourism and trekking opportunities for visitors. On the same day, the delegation explored cultural and historical landmarks in Nagcarlan and Liliw, offering them a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's distinctive heritage.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students visiting the Makiling Botanic Gardens, UPLB, Philippines.
The delegation of CSE faculty members and students visiting the San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines.
CEM and CSE students receiving the Best Presentation awards at the 6th DAAE Student Research Colloquium.
On Friday, May 15th, 2026, a delegation from the School of Economics (CSE) comprising faculty members and students attended the 6th DAEE Student Research Colloquium. During the event, the students listened to two keynote presentations on textbooks and the formal processes and methodologies for publishing student scientific research. In the afternoon, the delegation attended research presentations held across three parallel sessions. Notably, three CSE students excellently received the Best Presentation awards at the colloquium, recognizing their dedicated efforts and research capabilities within an international academic environment.
CSE students delivering their presentations across three parallel sessions at the 6th DAAE Student Research Colloquium on Friday afternoon, May 15, 2026.
Participating in this exchange program, alongside 18 outstanding students selected from various departments within the School of Economics, the delegation was accompanied by two faculty leaders: Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Truc, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, and Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duc, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics. Beyond guiding the students through their study and field trips at UPLB, the faculty members held a working session with representatives from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (DAEE, CEM, UPLB). This meeting aimed to accelerate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Can Tho University (CTU) and UPLB, while simultaneously implementing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the School of Economics (CSE) and the College of Economics and Management (CEM). This is considered a significant milestone, paving the way for an official partnership between CSE and CEM – UPLB, and contributing to the enhancement of academic connectivity, scientific research, and international cooperation activities in the future.
Representatives from the College of Economics and Management (CEM), the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (DAEE), and CSE faculty members in a commemorative photo during the orientation session on CEM, its departments, and research institutes.
The short-term exchange program in the Philippines this past May 2026 not only provided the School of Economics (CSE) students with opportunities to experience an international educational environment, broaden their knowledge, and enhance cultural exchange, but also offered meaningful experiences that contribute to developing essential academic and life skills—particularly communication, presentation, and foreign language proficiency. Furthermore, the program strengthened amicable relations and cooperation among the School of Economics (CSE) - Can Tho University, the College of Economics and Management (CEM) - University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), SEARCA, and IRRI. Though brief, the journey has left profound impressions and cherished memories for all members of the delegation.
An overview of the CSE student exchange program to the Philippines (May 10–16, 2026)
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