9 September 2023
Ten Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) partnered with Chinese HEIs to strengthen educational cooperation through people exchanges and mobilization of resources for education.
This was done through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine and Chinese HEIs during the Philippines-China University President Cooperation Dialogue and Networking Session in China.
The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) led by Chairman Popoy De Vera, hosted the event as part of its strategy to aggressively ramp up the internationalization initiatives of public universities in the country.
In his message, De Vera stressed the importance of adapting internationalization in improving the quality of education and laid out the steps CHED took in achieving this mission.
“The Commission has actively encouraged partnerships with foreign universities, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and collaborative academic programs. By embracing internationalization, indeed we can enhance the quality of education, expose our students to diverse perspectives, and equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized society,” De Vera said
The MOU fulfills the Joint Statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping during the state visit of President Marcos in China, which included higher education as a priority area in the long-standing relations and educational cooperation of both countries.
“The Joint Statement is a springboard that will further strengthen our efforts on the provision and promotion of quality education to our respective citizens,” he added.
Mariano Marcos State University has tied up with the Center of International Education of Guangzhou Xinhua University to promote educational exchanges and develop transnational education and micro-credential courses in health sciences, computer science and information technology, business, accountancy, and engineering.
José Rizal University and Guiyang Institute of Humanities and Technology, collaborated for students and faculty members to engage in collaborative research projects, student exchanges, and joint academic programs.
Isabela State University partnered with the Guizhou Minzu University to promote academic progress, cultural exchange, and collaboration between both universities.
University of Cordillera partnered with universities from various provinces of China namely Shijiazhuang University, Harbin University of Science and Technology- Rongcheng Campus, Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs, and Xi’an MingDe Institute of Technology for student mobility and in advancing Ph.D. studies for faculty and staff.
World Citi Colleges partnered with Guiyang Institute of Humanities and Technology for joint ventures such as academic and cross-cultural exchanges, research, and internships focusing on allied health, education, business, and masters programs.
Similarly, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas signed an agreement with Deyang Vocational College of Technology and Trade to promote international mobility of their students and faculty, research, and resources.
University of Antique collaborated with Guizhou Vocational College of Foodstuff Engineering for future academic knowledge sharing, student exchanges, faculty research discussion, access to library resources, and benchmarking.
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and the Center of International Education of Guangzhou Xinhua University partnered to strengthen educational ties and promote cross-cultural understanding across institutions.
University of the Philippines collaborated with the Guiyang Institute of Humanities and Technology to initiate international collaborative research, academic development exchanges, internships, student exchanges, and joint-supervision for master and doctoral programs.
Meanwhile, the Mabalacat City College signed a historic institutional agreement with Shijiazhuang Institute of Railway Technology for the provision of railway maintenance and repair certificates, and an inclination to attaining Luban workshop grants for Filipino students, both programs are first ever in the Philippines.
Aside from the signing ceremonies, the Philippine delegation also visited Chinese universities to observe and take note of the best practices, academic frameworks, and technological facilities that they can adapt.
(SIGNED)
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPA
Chairman
Commission on Higher Education and UniFAST Board
Philippines