N.C. A&T Honors College to Launch Initiative in Philippines with State Department Grant

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 20, 2026) – The Honors College at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has been awarded a $35,000 IDEAS Grant from the U.S. Department of State, setting the stage for a transformative international partnership and global learning initiative called the Aggie Phil Trek.

This achievement places N.C. A&T among just 32 awardees selected from more than 200 eligible proposals reviewed by higher education professionals nationwide, underscoring the university’s leadership in expanding global engagement and academic excellence.

The Aggie Phil Trek program is designed to broaden study abroad opportunities for Honors College students by establishing new connections in the Philippines, specifically in Manila, Iloilo and Antique. These regions are celebrated for their renewable energy facilities, sustainable agriculture, vibrant business sectors and rich ecosystems. The initial phase, taking place in spring and summer 2026, is an exploratory trip led by the university’s Honors College and the Office of International Affairs.

“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for our university to explore new global partnerships and learning environments in Southeast Asia,” said Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., Honors College associate dean of research and program innovation who serves as the project’s principal investigator. “As a native of the Philippines, I am deeply committed to building bridges between N.C. A&T and institutions abroad. Aggie Phil Trek will lay the groundwork for long-term collaborations that benefit both our university and our international partners.”

During the exploratory journey, the university’s team members will immerse themselves in the cultural, academic and economic landscapes of the Philippines. The itinerary begins in Manila, where participants will acclimate and explore the city’s storied history through guided tours of landmarks such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum. Manila’s culinary scene will also be showcased with a food tour of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, offering a taste of Filipino heritage.

A highlight of the trip is a visit to the Makban Geothermal Power Plant in Laguna, providing firsthand exposure to renewable energy operations and sustainability practices. The team will then travel to Iloilo City, a dynamic hub in the Western Visayas region. Here, the itinerary includes a tour of the Taklong Island Marine Reserve in Guimaras, where the group will learn about marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and local ecosystems.

Further activities in Iloilo feature a visit to the Estancia Fishing Port, offering insights into the region’s fisheries and seafood industry, as well as culinary tours highlighting local specialties such as La Paz Batchoy and fresh seafood markets. The team will also explore Iloilo’s historical sites, including Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral, and Calle Real, deepening their understanding of Filipino heritage and community life.

A cornerstone of Aggie Phil Trek is the development of international partnerships. The itinerary includes campus visits and memorandum of understanding signings with the University of Antique and the University of the Philippines Visayas, paving the way for future faculty and student exchanges. These meetings are designed to strengthen institutional ties and lay the groundwork for sustainable study abroad programs that will benefit A&T students in years to come.

“Our Honors College is dedicated to providing high-achieving students with experiences that prepare them for leadership in a global society,” said Margaret Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. “Aggie Phil Trek is a milestone for N.C. A&T, marking our first exploratory initiative in Southeast Asia. By partnering with universities in the Philippines, we are expanding our horizons and strengthening our commitment to diversity, innovation, and academic excellence.”

Aggie Phil Trek aligns with A&T’s Preeminence 2030 strategic plan, which calls for increased globalization, mobility and visibility. The initiative will offer hands-on learning in energy, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and economic development – fields critical to U.S. national security and prosperity. The grant will fund international travel, program development and external evaluation, ensuring robust monitoring and long-term sustainability.