CAPSUNIAN ECHO

 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗘 

by Joshua G. Dela Torre

Social Studies students from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus won multiple awards in the 2025 International Short Course on “Law and Governance in Southeast Asia: Insights from Indonesia and Beyond,” hosted by Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) on July 12–29.

Eight students from the College of Education who are specializing in social studies completed the international course together with other Asian participants. CAPSU Burias delegations include Wenalyn C. Venerable, Danica Joy R. Samino, Marienel N. Proseso, Daniela U. Degoma, Maria Mae A. Lopez, Jenny Rose T. Bernales, April Joy M. Sonio, and Meryl E. Balasa.

Moreover, an essay competition marked the closing program where students were grouped into five chambers.

The CAPSU Burias delegation earned multiple awards during the program:

Danica Joy Samino and group mates – 1st Runner-up in the overall essay competition and 2nd Place in Chamber 1

Wenalyn C. Venerable and group mates – Best Essay in Chamber 3

Daniela Degoma and group mates – 3rd Place in Chamber 4

Meryl Estefano Balasa and group mates – 2nd Place in Chamber 2

Expressing her gratitude, Samino stated "I’m happy to share that I have successfully completed the UAD International Short Course 2025. It was a meaningful experience where I learned new things, improved my communication skills, and connected with students from other universities. I’m thankful to my professors, classmates, and especially to Manang Krizle and Manang Kasandra for their support. I’m grateful for this opportunity to share my knowledge and grow."

The two-week short course covered Indonesian public law, private law, Islamic law, and Southeast Asian legal policies through a series of synchronous sessions on Zoom and asynchronous activities on UAD’s Moodle-based learning platform wherein participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on natural resource policies, Pancasila, Indonesian politics of law, the new criminal code, international humanitarian law, national sharia arbitration, and artificial intelligence policies in ASEAN.

"There were over 100 participants in the program. My classmates came from different countries, including the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Indonesia. During the sessions, we shared information about what is happening in our own countries, especially on topics related to the course. We also discussed how we can identify and solve problems that may happen in our countries," Venerable shared.

The Faculty of Law of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan organized the international short course in partnership with the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Citizenship Education Program, bringing together students from across Southeast Asia to broaden their understanding of law and governance in the region.

Reflecting on the experience, Lopez, one of the participants, shared "It was a great experience to be part of the International Short Course, this moment feels so indescribable, overwhelming and full of gratitude for the chances to be part of this journey—meeting new individuals, learning lessons, turning school vacation into waiting every session, discovering lectures, spreading knowledge, and connecting cultures beyond borders."