Vancouver, BC — A new partnership agreement signed today between the Philippines and the Province of BC will advance educational linkages and support educational cooperation and two-way exchange opportunities between BC and the Philippines. The agreement was signed by Hon. Lisa Beare, Minister of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills, and J Prospero De Vera III, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines.

“BC has a strong connection with the Philippines as many British Columbians have immigrated from that part of the world and also have family there,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “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.”

The agreement was signed during the 75th year of the diplomatic relations between Canada and 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. Philippine higher education institutions such as the Philippine State College of Aeronautics, World Citi College, Miriam College, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde are already implementing programs with BC institutions. This ongoing meeting will further expand the access to international education opportunities to Filipino students and faculty on priority areas that need global training,” De Vera said.

The agreement will encourage and foster cooperation between BC and the Philippines to promote educational and academic reciprocity and strengthen relations in the post-secondary education sector. Areas of focus in the agreement include health care, maritime education, aviation, sustainability, and innovation, among others. The agreement anticipates a range of activities, including sharing information on credentialling, transnational education, curriculum alignment, faculty and student mobility, and quality assurance frameworks.

Representatives from the BC Government, BC Council for International Education, and the Philippines Commission on Higher Education were present as well as the Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to the Philippines.

About The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills provides leadership and direction for post-secondary education and skills training systems in British Columbia as well as labour market information and programs.

About The Philippines Commission on Higher Education

The Philippines Commission on Higher Education is a government agency attached to the Office of the President of the Philippines created in 1994 to govern post-secondary and graduate education. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority governs technical-vocational and middle-level education. The Commission acts as a collegial body formulating policies and strategies for higher education. Its mission is to promote equitable access and ensure quality and relevance of Higher Education Institutions and their programs.

More information

• Memorandum of Understanding between BC and the Philippines Commission on Higher Education