ISTANBUL - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) emphasized the importance of enhancing the internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines during the 9th annual EURASIA Higher Education (EURIE) Summit.
According to Philippines News Agency, who delivered a keynote speech at the event held in Istanbul, Turkey, Philippine universities have been actively pursuing internationalization since 2016 as a means to elevate educational quality and produce graduates who are both locally responsive and globally competitive.
De Vera highlighted the significant progress made in the international recognition of Philippine HEIs, noting that participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) impact ranking has surged from a single HEI in 2019 to 60 HEIs. This growth underscores the country's commitment to global educational standards and its efforts to showcase the capabilities of its higher education sector on the international stage.
The Philippine government, De Vera mentioned, is now prioritizing fields such as science and technology, agriculture, medicine, and allied health sciences. Additionally, efforts are being made to promote university-industry linkages that ensure graduates possess skills that match industry needs. This strategic focus aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to continuously enhance the quality of higher education institutions in the Philippines.
De Vera also expressed the country's interest in expanding bilateral relations with Turkey in the higher education sector and invited delegates from other countries to explore partnership opportunities with the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of addressing challenges that hinder access to higher education for marginalized groups, including the impacts of war and conflict, the digital divide, and global and regional disparities.
The EURIE Summit, themed Building Global Connections, serves as a platform for higher education leaders to discuss and forge international collaborations. The 2024 summit will continue to host discussions and workshops until Thursday. Representing the Philippines, CHED, along with six university presidents, participated in the delegation, showcasing the country's dedication to strengthening its higher education institutions through international cooperation.