Mr. Joseph G. Barillo, MBA, Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA), proudly represented the College together with two BS Office Administration students, Shaine Marie Redublado and Maria Paula Viaje, in the Virtual CommTECH Nusantara 2025: The Spirit of Indonesia Heroes, organized by the Directorate of Global Engagement, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia, held on November 10–21, 2025.
The international program brought together participants from different countries to explore Indonesia's rich history, culture, traditions, and the inspiring stories of its national heroes. Through virtual lectures, cultural exchange activities, collaborative discussions, and reflection sessions, participants gained a deeper appreciation of Indonesia's remarkable contributions to nation-building, leadership, resilience, and cultural heritage.
Throughout the program, Mr. Barillo and his students actively participated in academic discussions and intercultural learning activities, strengthening their global awareness and fostering meaningful connections with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. The experience enabled them to appreciate the importance of international collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and lifelong learning—qualities that are essential for future professionals and leaders.
As a testament to his active participation and insightful understanding of the program, Mr. Joseph G. Barillo was recognized with the "Best Reflection" Award, an honor given to participants who demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, meaningful insights, and thoughtful reflection on the program's objectives and learning experiences. This recognition highlights his commitment to academic excellence and his ability to translate international learning into valuable personal and professional insights.
The participation of Shaine Marie Redublado and Maria Paula Viaje also provided them with a unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives beyond the classroom. They learned about the sacrifices, patriotism, and leadership of Indonesia's national heroes, whose unwavering dedication to their country serves as an inspiration for young people across Southeast Asia. Through these stories, the students developed a greater appreciation for the values of courage, unity, resilience, and service to the nation. They also recognized the similarities between the Philippines and Indonesia in preserving cultural identity, honoring national heroes, and promoting peace and solidarity among neighboring countries.
Moreover, the program enhanced the students' communication, collaboration, and intercultural competencies by engaging with international participants from various academic and cultural backgrounds. These experiences strengthened their confidence in participating in global academic initiatives while preparing them to become globally competitive Office Administration professionals capable of working effectively in multicultural environments.
The successful participation of Mr. Barillo and his students reflects the College's commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and the holistic development of its faculty and students. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the College community, demonstrating that engaging in international programs not only enriches academic knowledge but also nurtures global citizenship, cultural understanding, and leadership—qualities that are essential in today's interconnected world.
