July 1, 2024 - British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) recently partnered with the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Promotion of Educational Cooperation and Two-Way Exchange Opportunities.
On June 21, PSFS Minister Lisa Beare met with CHED chairman Julian Prospero de Vera III at the Vancouver Cabinet Office in Canada Place to sign the MOU which aims to promote educational exchanges on mutual priority areas such as maritime education, aviation, animation, sustainability, nursing, and innovation. The agreement also aims to build reciprocal relationships in support of cultural exchange and educational benefits.
The MOU provides for information sharing on credentialling, transnational education, curriculum alignment, faculty and student mobility, and quality assurance frameworks.
The signing of the MOU coincided with the BC International Education Week held in Vancouver as well as the 75th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.
Minister Beare noted that “BC has a strong connection with the Philippines as many British Columbians have immigrated from that part of the world.” She added, “This new partnership will only make our ties stronger particularly with post-secondary education as we work together to ensure people’s education and experience are recognized whether they choose to live in our province or the Philippines.”
“We have been working with our counterparts in Canada in the past years in recognition of the world-class education provided by universities in British Columbia and the openness of its education officials to pursue areas of common interest in Asia, particularly the Philippines,” said de Vera. “This ongoing meeting will further expand the access to international education opportunities to Filipino students and faculty on priority areas that need global training.”
Participating post-secondary institutions in the Philippines include the University of the Philippines, Miriam College, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Philippine State College of Aeronautics and World Citi College.
The partnership is set to provide opportunities for students, faculty, researchers, and instructors to study or practice in BC post-secondary education institutions for skills, professional, and curriculum development.
Joining the two ministers were Philippine Consul General Arlene Magno, PSFS Director for International Education Jamie Edwardson, BC Council for International Education Executive Director Randall Martin, Mabalacat City College President Michelle Aguilar-Ong, and Embassy of Canada in the Philippines Trade Commissioner Angel Cachuela.
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