The Office of International Linkages Diliman (OIL-D) has released application forms for Lipad Aral, the University’s International Student Exchange Program. This was announced by UPD Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, at Layag 2025, the UP Diliman (UPD) Study Abroad Fair, on March 25, at the UPD College of Engineering (COE) lobby.
Lusung-Oyzon said OIL-D will be accepting applications until April 20 this year.
She made the announcement to encourage everyone present to engage with the Layag 2025 exhibitors and OIL-D.
“This is an annual event organized by OIL-D to promote study abroad, scholarship, and internationalization-related opportunities for the UPD community. Through partnerships, global collaboration, and cultural exchanges, we strive to create a more connected and globally-minded UP community,” Lusung-Oyzon.
OIL-D Director Carlene Perpetua Pilar-Arceo said the study abroad fair has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2016.
From a two-day affair with 10 exhibitors, Pilar-Arceo said that it has become a four-day affair with more than 30 exhibitors.
Meanwhile, Lusung-Oyzon hopes this year’s Layag would surpass last year’s average daily attendance of 400 participants.
For his part, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II said Layag 2025 is a testament to UPD’s efforts to advancing global education and strengthening international partnerships.
“Layag not only presents opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth, but it also serves as a critical step toward achieving quality education and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together partner institutions, universities, and scholarship granting bodies, we are able to offer valuable resources and create meaningful connections that enrich educational experiences,” Vistan said. Present at the event were University officials that included UP System OIL Director Dolores Cecilia T. Madrid and COE Associate Dean for Alumni Eric Augustus J. Tingatinga, representatives of participating exhibitors, and University faculty, students, and staff. Some members of the diplomatic corps were also present. Ella May Arevalo, assistant to the Ambassador of Poland to the Philippines, attended Layag 2025 on behalf of the Ambassador, while First Secretary and Head Juan Bomfim of the Embassy of Brazil in the Philippines, gave a speech as a representative of the members of the diplomatic corps at the event.
