The British Council, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), marked National Higher Education Day with a significant event highlighting advancements in transnational education. The celebration took place at the Senate of the Philippines, featuring a special exhibit and a forum dedicated to discussing the impact and future of international higher education.
Lotus Postrado, Country Director of the British Council in the Philippines, and Pierre Pecson, Head of Education, led the organisation's efforts to strengthen educational ties between the UK and the Philippines. Their initiatives have played a crucial role in expanding transnational education in the country, allowing Filipino students to pursue international degree programs without the need to study abroad full-time. This approach supports learners in gaining expertise in niche areas such as sustainable food systems, design engineering, energy security, and digital innovation.
Transnational education facilitates local access to international degrees, enabling students to study and adapt to global standards while remaining in their home country. This model is part of the Access and Competitiveness through Internationalization of Higher Education (ACT-IHE) initiative, which aims to broaden access to quality higher education and empower Filipino universities. “British Council’s transnational education program has enabled Philippine institutions to develop and implement these programs, enhancing academic excellence and fostering UK-Philippines academic linkages”, Postrado stated.
With the enactment of Republic Act 11448, the Philippines is taking steps toward greater internationalisation in higher education. While this policy signals openness to international collaborations, Postrado noted that there is still work needed to create a more conducive environment for such partnerships. The British Council aims to support this process by facilitating faculty exchanges and program delivery within the country.
The Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Forum, hosted by CHED, brought together key stakeholders, including universities such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Miriam College, along with collaborators like the British Council and ASEAN. The forum, part of the 4th National Higher Education Day celebrations, provided updates on the progress of internationalisation and transnational education in the Philippines.
The forum featured a special exhibit showcasing various facets of internationalisation, including research conducted by the British Council on the opportunities and challenges of transnational education. The exhibit also highlighted stories of successful alumni who have benefited from these programs.
Atty. Lily Milla, Director of International Foreign Affairs at CHED, emphasized the importance of transnational higher education in advancing Philippine higher education. “As we celebrate the 4th Higher Education Day, our focus on transnational education represents a cornerstone of our advancement. Our collaboration with the British Council and other international partners aims to foster a dynamic global community. Through these collective efforts, we envision a future where Philippine higher education excels globally and contributes to sustainable development”, Milla said.
