The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), nestled in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan City, is taking significant steps to strengthen its internationalization efforts. UNP President, Dr. Erwin Cadorna, recently joined a prestigious delegation of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) on a five-day educational mission to Australia.

The mission, which took place from October 21 to 25, 2024, aimed to expand partnerships with Australian universities, and explore opportunities for collaboration in various academic fields. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to increase the global presence of Philippine universities, and produce world-class graduates in critical areas such as medicine, engineering, and information technology.

Further, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III emphasized the significance of collaborating with global partners to expand opportunities for Filipino students, and professionals. He highlighted the crucial role of forging international alliances to broaden the horizons for Filipinos, particularly in sectors where the Philippines demonstrates notable expertise. This approach aims to capitalize on the nation’s strengths through global partnerships, enhancing educational, and career prospects for Filipinos in their areas of excellence. This statement underscores the importance of leveraging the country’s strengths through international cooperation to enhance educational, and professional prospects for Filipinos.

As part of the delegation, UNP participated in the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Melbourne, where they engaged in discussions on market insights, best practices, innovative technologies, and government policies in the education sector. The conference provided a platform for UNP to showcase its unique position as an institution of higher learning situated in the historic city of Vigan, offering potential partners a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage that surrounds the University.

During the mission, the delegation visited several top Australian institutions, including Swinburne University of Technology, La Trobe University, and Monash University. These visits focused on exploring collaborations in areas such as agriculture, tourism, hotel and restaurant management, accounting, cybersecurity, and creative industries – fields that align well with UNP’s strengths, and the cultural context of Vigan as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Dr. Cadorna, along with other delegates, had the opportunity to meet with key figures in the Australian education sector, including representatives from Swinburne University, Chisholm Institute, and Victoria University. These meetings laid the groundwork for potential partnerships in research, dual degree programs, and other academic collaborations.

The mission also included a special forum organized by the Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), where the delegation discussed expanding education partnerships between Australia, and the Philippines. This event provided UNP with a valuable platform to highlight its unique position as a University in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, potentially attracting interest for cultural exchange programs, and heritage studies.

By leveraging its location in Vigan, UNP aims to create distinctive international partnerships that combine academic excellence with cultural immersion. The University’s participation in this mission is expected to open doors for student exchanges, joint research projects, and the sharing of best practices in preserving, and promoting cultural heritage while advancing higher education.

As the mission concluded, UNP, along with other participating HEIs, is poised to solidify long-term agreements that will benefit its students and faculty for years to come. This international exposure is set to enhance UNP’s academic offerings, research capabilities, and global outlook, ultimately contributing to its goal of becoming a leading institution in the Philippines with a strong international presence.

The University of Northern Philippines’ participation in this Australian mission marks a significant milestone in its internationalization journey, promising exciting opportunities for cross-cultural learning, and academic advancement in the unique setting of Vigan’s historic landscape.

Article by Irene Abigail S. Guerrero