The Saskatchewan government announced the signing of Canada’s first provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday.
The objective, according to the administration, is to increase linkages between postsecondary education institutions in the two nations while also expanding opportunities for research partnerships and educational exchanges.
In a news statement, Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky stated, “We are happy to be the first provincial government to join an academic collaboration with the Republic of the Philippines.”
“This MOU will deepen our present connection, raise Saskatchewan’s profile on a worldwide scale, and provide new possibilities for students, professors, and researchers,” Makowksy added.
The MOU, according to Makowsky, is an important component of Saskatchewan’s new International Education Strategy, which promotes access and collaboration across post-secondary institutions. He stated that expanding these collaborations aids the province’s economic recovery and population growth goals contained in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.
“This agreement marks the dynamic relationship between the Philippines and Canada in higher education,” stated Dr. J. Prospero E. de Vera III, Chairperson of the Republic of the Philippines Commission on Higher Education.
“Furthermore, it will open the door for the Philippines and Canada to expand their connection and share a vision for growing global human resources,” he said.
Peter Stoicheff, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan, also welcomed the news. He stated that the improved cooperation will result in a rise in mobility programmes, such as student and faculty exchanges, as well as advantages for innovation and research.
“Strengthening linkages between our province’s higher learning institutions and foreign partners in the Philippines benefits students and researchers in a big way,” Stoicheff said.
“Diverse viewpoints enrich education and research, and this MOU will leverage and advance collaboration between our university, established partners, and the Commission on Higher Education in the Republic of the Philippines.”
Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Regina, shared same sentiments. According to Keshen, the collaboration will enrich the University of Regina by introducing more worldviews and viewpoints to campus.
“The University of Regina is committed to providing a secure, inviting environment for foreign students to learn, work, and flourish,” stated Keshen. “We endorse the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Province of Saskatchewan and the Republic of the Philippines as a fantastic chance to develop mutually beneficial connections with post-secondary institutions in the Philippines.”
According to Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the partnership opens the door to a variety of vital opportunities for students and teachers.
“Saskatchewan Polytechnic believes in the benefits of international cooperation and engagement,” stated Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
“International collaborations and exchanges assist students in developing a variety of abilities, including problem solving, flexibility, resilience, and intercultural competency.”
“The Saskatchewan Regional Colleges are thrilled to commemorate this agreement between Saskatchewan and the Philippines,” said Cumberland and Parkland College President and CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh.
“Agreements like this are advantageous to our province, considering the Filipino community’s significant contributions to economic growth in rural areas.” This arrangement will only serve to deepen the province’s ties with the Philippines, resulting in mutually beneficial initiatives for both students and institutions.”
The Commission on Higher Education, in collaboration with the Republic of the Philippines, is dedicated to promoting equal access and ensuring the quality and relevance of higher education institutions and programmes.