The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)’s Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office attended the EduCanada Pathways to Partnership Event on 07 October 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Manila Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Co-organized by the Embassy of Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)—Canada’s education association representing publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics—the event gathered representatives from Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), CICan member colleges, and other strategic partners.
To welcome the attendees, His Excellency David Hartman, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, expressed continued educational partnerships with the Philippines to explore solutions to address critical gaps in education and workforce training. From the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Chairman Dr. J. Prospero De Vera featured initiatives and milestones in the growing educational ties between Canada and the Philippines. Mr. Camille Joseph Khoury, CICan Manager for Programs and Partnerships Development, also extended a warm welcome and openness to promising partnerships through the event.
Sharing the role of Canadian community colleges and their model in shaping talent across the provinces in the Philippines, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, CHED Regional Director, pointed out initiatives focus on upskilling, reskilling, community development through cross-cultural exchanges, research collaboration, and faculty and student mobility. In line with CHED’s vision for internationalization and Transnational Higher Education (TNHE), she presented joint initiatives between Canadian community colleges and Philippine HEIs in Region 1. She added that some Canada-Philippines partnerships can provide access to advanced technology and resources, enhance skill development for graduates, and strengthen academic programs.
Following this, Ms. Milica Njegovan, CICan Senior Program Officer for Partnerships Development, provided an overview of the Canadian college and institute system, noting its diverse learning pathways, strong ties with businesses, and significant capacity for applied research and innovation. She explained how Canadian universities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to her, work-integrated learning opportunities and accessible education make Canadian institutions ideal partners for global collaboration. Potential partnerships could include capacity building in education systems, curriculum development, teacher training, and leadership development. She also highlighted the importance of applied research, private-sector collaboration, and partnerships that enhance employment outcomes and stimulate local economies. Canadian institutions are eager to share their expertise in applied education and training tailored to the unique needs of local communities.
During the B2B Networking Session, representatives from Canadian colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and technical universities, along with Philippine HEIs, explored opportunities for collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, climate change mitigation, environmental conservation, community development, science and innovation, creative industries, and business-related programs.
At this networking event, ADDU was represented by AIM Assistant Director Ms. Lyd Ejira C. Ducusin, who explored potential partnerships in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), mobility programs, micro-credentials, and other global skills opportunities.