September 11, 2023
MANILA – Ten Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) have partnered with Chinese HEIs to strengthen cooperation through people exchanges and resource mobilization.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Philippine and Chinese HEIs during the recent Philippines-China University President Cooperation Dialogue and Networking Session in China.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), led by Chair Prospero de Vera, hosted the event as part of its strategy to aggressively help Philippine public universities pursue their international initiatives.
In a message, De Vera stressed the importance of international engagements in improving the quality of education and cited the steps CHEd had undertaken in this direction.
“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
Priority area
The MOU fulfills the joint statement issued by President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Philippine leader’s visit to China in January, which included higher education as a priority area in their long-standing bilateral relations.
The newly forged Philippine-Chinese HEI partnerships are as follows:
• 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 microcredential 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 master’s programs.
• 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.
• 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 of attaining Luban workshop grants for Filipino students, both programs are the first ever in the Philippines.