CHED-York University tie-up boosts PH, Canada cooperation

MANILA – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and York University in Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on academic collaboration to launch the partnership between Philippine universities and York University for the Globally Network Learning (GNL).

CHED chairman Popoy de Vera and Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University, Canada signed the MOU during the official visit of de Vera and officials of Philippine universities to Canada recently to foster stronger university-to-university collation between the two countries.

The Philippine Higher Education High-Level Mission to Canada led by de Vera and higher education institution (HEI) officials from Mariano Marcos State University, West Visayas State University, Southern Leyte State University, Tarlac State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, World City College, and Universidad de Dagupan held meetings in Ottawa and Toronto with the University of Toronto, Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, Ryerson University, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs of Ontario and with the different Fil-Canadian professional associations.

“For the past two years, CHED, Philippine HEIs, and York University conducted partnership meetings on the Philippine Folklore Dance program, inclusive internationalization conference, international indigenous students exchange program, and Globally Networked Learning (GNL),” De Vera said in a news release on Thursday.

This latest meeting in York University builds upon existing partnerships and identifies new research areas, faculty, and student mobility that can be started with the HEIs who are part of this official mission.

York University is a leading higher education institution located in Ontario, Canada with more than 55,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

This year, Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked York University 11th in Canada and 67th globally against 1,115 post-secondary institutions from 94 different countries.

These series of partnership meetings were made possible through the efforts, dedication, and commitment of two Filipino faculty at York University, Dr. Patrick Alcedo, Chair, Department of Dance, and faculty lead for the Philippine Summer Abroad Course on Dance and Culture, and Ms. Helen Balderama, Director, Global Engagement and Partnerships.

Several Filipino graduate students at York University also discussed their experiences during the meeting and assisted the delegation in understanding the various program offerings of the university.

Alcedo and Valderrama, who studied and taught in Philippine universities prior to migrating to Canada, gave invaluable inputs to the discussions due to their familiarity with the educational system in both countries.

Alcedo taught at the University of the Philippines before moving to Canada and is a well-recognized filmmaker and expert on the folklorization of religion.

“I am certain that this partnership will be fruitful with the strong commitment of CHED and York University anchored on mutual goals and vision for higher education. This MoU is the latest in a series of agreements signed by CHED to open opportunities for higher education institutions from both countries,” De Vera said.

Participating in the discussions were MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, WVSU President Joselito Villaruz, ISATU President Raul Muyong, SLSU President Prose Ivy Yepes, WCC President Patrick Guico, Universidad de Dagupan Vice Presidents Feliza Arzadon and Anthony Sua, and officials from TSU & TAU. (PR)