May 19–28, 2025, Delegation: Assoc. Prof. Milan Husár, Dr. Sila Ceren Varış Husar, Ms. Renáta Kaščáková, Ing. arch. Daniela Hrabovská, Affiliation: Spectra Centre of Excellence of the EU, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Institute of Management, Spatial Planning Programme
As part of the Erasmus+ ICM partnership between the Spectra Centre of Excellence of the EU of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), a four-member delegation from STU visited the Philippines from May 19 to 28, 2025. The visit was hosted by the Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning (DCERP), College of Human Ecology (CHE), UPLB.
Week 1: Academic and Partnership Activities in Los Baños
The visit began with arrival and accommodation at SEARCA Residence Hall. On May 20, we were welcomed with a campus tour led by CHE faculty, followed by a formal courtesy meeting with the CHE Executive Committee. We exchanged institutional presentations and discussed the scope of the five-year partnership. In the afternoon, we observed a class on Environmental Project Planning and Administration, including presentations of student capstone projects focused on landfill site revitalization.
On May 21, we traveled to the culturally significant town of Paete, where we were introduced to traditional woodcarving practices and explored possibilities for collaborative heritage projects. The day included meetings with local government officials and community leaders.
May 22 featured participation in graduate student thesis defenses at UPLB and a field visit to Carmona City. There, we engaged with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and city officials about smart city initiatives, with opportunities identified for future collaboration in sustainable urban development and planning.
A highlight of the visit was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on May 23, formalizing the academic partnership and mobility plans. The event, hosted at the BM Gonzalez Hall, was attended by UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., CHE Dean Jennifer Marie Amparo, and Erasmus+ coordinator Mr. Ryan Randle Rivera. The day concluded with co-learning sessions and a networking dinner.
Week 2: Cultural Immersion and Broader Engagement
From May 24 to 25, we explored the natural and cultural heritage of the Laguna province with a stay at Casa Marina in Pagsanjan. This informal segment allowed for deeper understanding of Philippine traditions and community life.
On May 26, we traveled to Manila, where we stayed in the historic Intramuros district. A guided walking tour on May 27 provided valuable insight into the colonial heritage and urban fabric of the capital. During this time, we also engaged informally with representatives of other Philippine universities, setting the foundation for possible future linkages.
The visit concluded on May 28 with our departure from NAIA to Bratislava.
Summary and Outlook
The visit was highly productive, strengthening institutional relations and setting clear pathways for academic collaboration in spatial planning, urban sustainability, and ecological governance. The warm hospitality, professional exchanges, and cultural experiences have built a solid foundation for future joint research, mobility, and curriculum innovation under the Erasmus+ framework.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on May 23, 2025
Tour of Makiling Botanic Gardens Assoc. Prof. Milan Husár, Dr. Sila Ceren Varış Husár, Mgr. Renáta Kaščáková, Ing. arch. Daniela Hrabovská, Mr. Ryan Randle Rivera