Learning Express Program 2025: Bridging Global Innovation with Local Communities

Batangas, Philippines – The Global to Local (G2L) Community Engagement: Learning Express (LEX) Program 2025 successfully concluded on March 21, 2025, after a 12-day immersive experience that brought together students from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Batangas State University, The National Engineering University. The program aimed to equip students with hands-on problem-solving skills while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and community engagement.

A total of 60 students—30 from SP and 30 from BatStateU— participated in the initiative. The BatStateU delegation was equally represented by students from its Alangilan, JPLPC Malvar, and Lipa campuses. These students were assigned to different project sites, working closely with local communities to address industry-specific challenges.

In addition, LEX participants were deployed to three key areas in Batangas: Malvar, San Pascual, and Mabini. In Malvar, Teams 1A & 1B collaborated with candy manufacturers to explore ways to improve production efficiency. In San Pascual, Teams 2A & 2B worked with cacao producers, assisting them in enhancing product quality and refining processing techniques. Meanwhile, in Mabini, Teams 3A & 3B partnered with local stakeholders in the ecotourism industry to develop sustainable tourism practices.

Throughout the program, students applied design-thinking methodologies, engaging in fieldwork, community consultations, and prototype development to create innovative yet practical solutions. By immersing themselves in real-world challenges, they gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social innovation.

To conclude the program, a Gallery Walk was held during the Closing Program, where participants showcased their research, findings, and proposed solutions. The event served as a platform for students to share their learnings, exchange ideas with faculty members and industry professionals, and reflect on their experiences.

The LEX Program 2025 once again proved to be a transformative learning experience, reinforcing the importance of bridging global knowledge with local impact. Through this initiative, students not only developed problem-solving skills but also strengthened their sense of social responsibility and cultural appreciation. With its continued success, the program reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities and shaping future leaders.