SU int’l students sweep honors at 6th ICTISSLAA
Silliman University (SU) reaffirmed its excellence in global student leadership with two international students earning major distinctions at the 6th International Conference-Training for International Students, Student Leaders, and Advisers (ICTISSLAA 2025), held on November 19–21, 2025, at the Baguio Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City.
Hosted by the Philippine International Friendship and Understanding Association (PIFUA), the annual gathering brought together international and Filipino students, student organization officers, advisers, school administrators, and international relations personnel.
This year’s theme, “EducAtIon 5.0: Smart Leadership. Global Citizenship. Bridging Cultures. Building Futures,” emphasized cross-cultural understanding and future-ready leadership.
Daniel Pennie, SU senior Biology student of Papua New Guinea, receives his Certificate of Distinction for being among the 2025 Most Outstanding International Students of the Philippines.
SU senior Biology student Daniel Pennie of Papua New Guinea was named among the 2025 Most Outstanding International Students of the Philippines during the awards program on November 20. Pennie previously served as president of the International Students Organization, Christian-life coordinator at Pulido Hall, and was crowned Mister Silliman International 2024.
Bawm Ra, a Mathematics student from Myanmar, a finalist for the 2025 Most Outstanding International Students of the Philippines, received the conference’s Outstanding Talent Award. She performed two songs centered on love and peace—“Sana’y Pag-ibig…” and a traditional Myanmar piece—reflecting her work as a children’s ministry music teacher in her home country.
Bawm Ra, a Mathematics-major student from Myanmar, poses with her Talent Award.
Other awardees came from Saint Louis University, Ateneo de Davao University, and the Adventist University of the Philippines.
The 2025 wins mark the third consecutive year that Silliman students have been recognized at the national event. Previous honorees include Joseph Msafiri Mbilu of Tanzania (2023) and Anatasia Y. Kambai of Indonesia (2024).
SU’s International Student Office of the Office of Student Services (OSS) continues to support its diverse student community under the guidance of ISO adviser Moses Joshua B. Atega. Meanwhile, OSS Dean Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion was also present at the event.
The 2025 Most Outstanding International Students of the Philippines (center) from Saint Louis University, Ateneo de Davao University, the Adventist University of the Philippines, and Silliman University pose with the PIFUA organizers and Student Services heads, including Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion (second from right), SU OSS head.
