The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has recently announced the launch of a five-year, P1.6-billion program aimed at bolstering the global competitiveness of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs). The US-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (Upskill) Program, unveiled by USAid, aims to strengthen innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship in colleges and universities across the country.
This initiative, which is set to receive approximately $30 million in funding, seeks to enhance the qualifications and career prospects of Filipino graduates, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. Additionally, the program aims to foster stronger linkages between US and Philippine universities, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The announcement of this partnership was made jointly by US President Joseph Biden and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the latter’s visit to the White House in May 2023. The significance of this collaboration was emphasized by visiting USAid Deputy Assistant Administrator for East Asia and the Pacific, Sara Borodin, during the program launch at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
Borodin highlighted the importance of college training and education in equipping young people with the necessary skills for future success in the workplace. She stated, “The challenges and opportunities that young people face today make college training and education critical for their future success. Through this new USAid program, the United States government reaffirms its commitment to working with our Filipino partners in transforming the higher education sector.”
The Upskill program will bring together American universities, Philippine government agencies engaged in human capital development, and private sector partners to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in HEIs. This will be achieved through various initiatives, including faculty and staff training, curriculum improvements, and increased community outreach and technology transfer.
Commission on Higher Education Executive Director, Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with USAid. She emphasized that this collaboration will provide unique opportunities for Philippine colleges and universities to continuously innovate and respond to the aspirations of the country’s students. Benitez-Jaro stated, “Together, we will demonstrate the compelling value of internationally recognized training, cooperative research, and lifelong learning modalities being offered by Philippine higher education.”
The Upskill program will be implemented by RTI International, in collaboration with a consortium of US universities, including Arizona State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Philippine partners such as Edukasyon.ph and the Philippine Business for Education will also play a crucial role in the program’s implementation.
By investing in the enhancement of Philippine HEIs, the Upskill program aims to empower Filipino graduates and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Through this collaboration, the United States government reaffirms its commitment to supporting the transformation of the higher education sector in the Philippines, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the launch of the Upskill program by USAid marks a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between US and Philippine higher education institutions. By investing in innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, this program aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine HEIs and provide Filipino graduates with the necessary tools for success in the evolving job market. This partnership demonstrates the commitment of both countries to the transformation of the higher education sector and the advancement of the Philippines as a hub for knowledge and innovation.
Source: The Manila Times
