(IUS East Asia & Oceania) – Leaders of Salesian higher education institutions from across East Asia–Oceania gathered in the Philippines for the 2026 IUS East Asia–Oceania Conference, a high-level regional assembly focused on reimagining mission-driven education amid rapid global change.
Held February 26–27 at Microtel by Wyndham South Forbes in Cavite and hosted by Don Bosco College Canlubang, the conference carried the theme “Salesian Transformative Education in a Rapidly Shifting Landscape.” The event brought together presidents, rectors, academic leaders, campus ministry heads, and IUS representatives from the Philippines, Japan, and Papua New Guinea.
Significantly, the conference was attended by Fr. George Thadathil, SDB, Head of the International Association of Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS), underscoring the gathering’s global relevance and strengthening alignment between the East Asia–Oceania (EAO) region and the worldwide Salesian higher education network.
Responding to Global Educational Shifts
According to the official conference prospectus, the assembly was convened at a “critical moment” for Salesian higher education, responding to rapid technological advancement, evolving learner profiles, shifting socio-economic realities, and deep cultural transformations across the region.
Rather than focusing solely on digital transformation or global competitiveness, participants emphasized the need for “transformation from within”—an interior renewal of institutional purpose, identity, and governance structures anchored in the Salesian Preventive System.
Key discussions addressed:
– Digital ministry and youth engagement
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion in formation
– Instructional innovation and personalized learning
– Transformational leadership in complex environments
– Strategic governance and regional policy coherence
The conference also functioned as a regional governance platform for reviewing the Salesian HEI Policies (2022–2026) and Programme Commun 6, while initiating strategic planning toward Programme Commun 7 (2027–2031).
Election of New IUS–EAO President
At the conclusion of the conference, Fr. Jeffrey Mangubat, SDB, President and Rector of Don Bosco College Canlubang and current IUS–EAO Coordinator, was elected as the new President of IUS East Asia–Oceania.
His election signals a new phase of leadership for the region as Salesian institutions commit to strengthening mission fidelity, participatory governance, and transformative education across diverse cultural contexts.
A Regional Vision with Global Impact
With the presence of the global head of IUS and representatives from multiple countries, the 2026 IUS–EAO Conference reinforced the role of Salesian higher education as a worldwide network committed to forming ethical leaders and socially responsible citizens.
As institutions across East Asia–Oceania navigate technological disruption and societal change, the conference affirmed a shared conviction: modernization must strengthen—not dilute—the human, spiritual, and pastoral heart of education in the spirit of Don Bosco.
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”