The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) participated in a significant international education mission to Ottawa, Canada on November 2-10, 2024. UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna represented the institution at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) 2024 Annual Conference, joining delegates from other Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

This year’s conference, themed “Beyond the Horizon,” focused on innovation and recalibration in international education, aiming to highlight successful partnerships that promote innovation and capacity-building while advocating for sustainable international cooperation.

The mission held particular significance as it commemorated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, as well as the decade-long partnership between CHED and CBIE.

For UNP, this presented a unique opportunity to expand its global network and engage in exploratory discussions with potential institutional partners from Canada and other countries.

The conference featured a session on the Philippines, showcasing new developments in Philippine higher education, particularly in transnational higher education (TNHE). Selected HEIs presented successful partnerships with Canadian institutions that have driven innovation, research, and capacity building.

The Philippine delegation also featured an exhibition space highlighting the country’s higher education internationalization initiatives. This platform allowed UNP to showcase its strengths and competencies to a global audience, potentially leading to new partnerships, and collaborations.

Beyond the conference, the delegation participated in visits and meetings with post-secondary institutions in Ottawa, providing further opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. These interactions could pave the way for future joint programs, faculty exchanges, and research collaborations between UNP and Canadian institutions.

As part of the expected outcomes, UNP and other participating HEIs aim to contribute to policy discussions shaping the future of TNHE between the Philippines and Canada. The mission is also expected to result in increased scholarships and training opportunities for UNP faculty, staff, and students.

The knowledge and connections gained from this mission have the potential to significantly enhance UNP’s academic programs, research capabilities, and overall institutional capacity in the years to come.

Dr. Cadorna’s participation allowed UNP to gain insights into global best practices in higher education, explore innovative teaching and learning methods, and identify potential areas for collaborative research. This exposure to international perspectives and practices will truly help UNP in refining its own strategies for internationalization and academic excellence.

Furthermore, the mission provided an excellent platform for UNP to showcase its unique strengths and academic offerings to a global audience. By engaging with international counterparts, UNP will be able to potentially attract more foreign students and faculty, promoting a more diverse and globally oriented campus environment. The connections made during this conference could also open doors for UNP students to participate in international exchange programs or pursue further studies abroad, enhancing their global competitiveness, and cultural awareness.

Article by Irene Abigail Guerrero.