Providing opportunity for supplementary education and stackable credentials to enhance future employability, Filamer Christian University sent 17 college students to take part in the Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) Summer Micro-Degree Programs (MDP) offered across member institutions in Asia, July 20 – August 7, 2026.

Among the micro-degree courses offered by ACUCA member-schools, the following were participated by Filamerian students: Servant Leadership in the Age of AI: A Christian Critical Engagement for Leading Generation Z offered by Petra Christian University, Indonesia: Hana Gabriela Nalica (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), Nomyle Andrie Binondo (Bachelor of Science in Social Work-3), Nica Albaladejo (Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship-3), and Abigail Panuncio (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-3).

“From this course learning of Servant Leadership in the Age of AI,  I have learned that the principle of servant leadership involves serving others and enabling their development. As we live in the era of AI, the leaders must be able to use the technology responsibly along with compassion and understanding,” answered Nica Albaladejo when asked about the learning and insights she gained after participating in the program.

For the program Applied Quantitative Research and Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI facilitated by Christ University, India, the following students enrolled: Angela Mae Ledesma (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), Mary Grace Gaston (Bachelor of Science in Psychologya-4), and Micha Ellah A. Iligan (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3).

“As a Math major, I always deal with numbers, formulas, and data, but the Applied Quantitative Research and Statistical Analysis using JAMOVI course helped me see how these can be used in actual research. Through the course, I learned how to analyze data and understand what the results mean instead of just working with numbers. It also made me realize that what I learn as a Math major can be useful not only in solving problems but also in conducting research,” Angela Mae Ledesma shared.

Meanwhile, in Pollution, People, and Policy: Environmental Health across Asia Pacific facilitated by Lady Doak College, India, the following actively took part: Noe Gee Claro (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), Anastasha Lim (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), and Jillian Florino (Bachelor of Science in Biology-3).

“The ACUCA program pushed me to analyze environmental issues in depth, while working alongside students from other countries broadened my perspective on how these challenges are experienced and addressed across different contexts. Building on that experience, our professor shaped me into a true environmentalist by inspiring us to take initiative, think critically, and develop our own solutions rather than simply absorbing information. I left the program not only more knowledgeable, but also more driven to take meaningful action,” said Jillian Florino.

In Professional Development for Christian Leaders delivered by Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana, Indonesia, the Filamerians who joined are John Lawrince Basinang (Bachelor of Secondary Educaiton-2) and Hazel Ann Aluad (Bachelor of Arts in Theology-2).

“Through ACUCA’s Professional Development for Christian Leaders, I learned that effective leadership begins with servanthood, which means leading with humility, integrity, and a heart to serve others rather than seeking position or recognition. I also learned that professional growth and faith go hand in hand. Therefore, developing my skills, character, and calling should always be grounded in Christ and directed toward the good of the community,” Hazel Ann Aluad explained.

Finally, in the Strategic Human Resource Management: Driving Performance and Innovation in which Filamer Christian University hosted for the first time with Asst. Prof. Jo Ann Natuel as course facilitator, the following students joined the classes: Portia Lee Bocalid (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), Francis Martin Besana (Bachelor of Secondary Education-3), Mae Grace Bergantinos (Bachelor of Science in Psychology-3), Prissie Funa (Bachelor of Science in Psychology-3), and Minelli Thessa Marie Bermudo (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-3).

“Through the ACUCA Micro-Degree Program, Strategic Human Resource Management: Driving Performance and Innovation, I learned that strategic HRM plays an important role in improving employee performance and encouraging innovation in an organization. The program taught me how effective leadership, employee development, and proper HR strategies can help organizations achieve their goals and adapt to changes, shared Minelli Thessa Marie Bermudo.

The micro-degree courses ran concurrently for three weeks, with three hours of instruction each day. Through this program, students not only gained new friends and learned new cultures, but also, enriched their learning and earned completion certificates to add to their credentials. The ACUCA Micro-Degree Programs are offered every Summer and Winter cycle. This year’s edition was spearheaded by Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.