December 1, 2023 — Universities Canada announced that it has concluded a successful mission in Manila to bring together university leaders and government officials in Canada and the Philippines.
The organization representing Canadian universities undertook the mission from November 6 to November 8, 2023, in cooperation with the federal government’s Trade Commissioner Service.
“During the mission, Universities Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines, signaling the commitment of both countries’ post-secondary systems to work together,” the group stated in a November 8, 2023 media release.
The release also noted that participants visited two Philippine university campuses: the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, and De La Salle University.
Philip Landon is the interim president and CEO of Universities Canada.
“It was an invaluable opportunity for Canadian university presidents to learn from their Philippine counterparts, share knowledge and form connections,” Landon said in the media release.
The mission in Manila follows a June 15, 2023 agreement by Universities Canada and the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippine government to promote and support science, technology, and innovation cooperation between Canadian and Philippine universities.
Renato Solidum, Jr. serves as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines.
A June 16, 2023 media release by Universities Canada quoted Solidum saying that the partnership is hoped to “create a platform for Filipino and Canadian scientists, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful collaboration that will enhance their capabilities and foster an environment that nurtures global perspectives, encourages intellectual curiosity, and cultivates cross-cultural understanding”.
“Together, let us leverage our combined expertise and resources and cultivate a strong global network of innovation to tackle the complex challenges faced by our societies, and to drive inclusive and sustainable development through science and technology,” Solidum said.
The November 8, 2023 media release noted a rising number of Filipinos choosing to study in Canada.
In 2021, the release stated, Canada was the number one preferred destination country for post-secondary students from the Philippines.
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