According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is gearing up to unveil a $30 million initiative aimed at bolstering the Philippines' higher education system this year. NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon stated that the USAID is on the verge of introducing the US-Philippines Partnership for Skills Innovation and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) program, which is slated to span a five-year duration.
She mentioned that the USAID will collaborate with the Commission on Higher Education and state universities for the initiative. "We at NEDA are helping with the UPSKILL program because one of their focus is innovation", Edillon said. The NEDA serves as the secretariat of the National Innovation Council, a 25-member policy advisory body chaired by the President on innovation matters.
UPSKILL entails enhancing the capabilities of higher education institutions in the nation for innovation and entrepreneurship through activities such as faculty and staff training, curriculum enhancement, and heightened technology transfers. Within this initiative, collaborative partnerships will be established to bridge academia and the private sector, facilitating higher education institutions in delivering education and skills training that align with industry demands.
Additionally, UPSKILL advocates for enhancements in higher education governance. Edillon noted that a more robust higher education system is anticipated to result in a larger pool of innovators, thereby yielding economic benefits. "All products are a product of innovation. (With innovation) we will have products originally from the Philippines, made in the Philippines. And this will bring more jobs, more investments and better quality of life", she added.
Previously, she mentioned that NEDA is advocating for initiatives aimed at bolstering research and development endeavors to foster innovation within the nation. One of the initiatives being advocated is a scholarship program with the aim of reaching the goal of 500 researchers per million population by 2028. Edillon also highlighted NEDA's recognition of the necessity to establish a knowledge management system for research and development outputs in the country, making them readily accessible to market participants.
