NINE higher education institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to create a consortium which aims to strengthen relations among Philippine universities.

The Mariano Marcos University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Southern Leyte State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Tarlac State University, Universidad De Dagupan, West Visayas State University, World Citi Colleges and WCC Aeronautical and Technologies College signed a five-year pact to promote cooperation in higher education.

Under the collaboration, the nine HEIs will open for the conduct of numerous professional trainings and the development of institutional linkages at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

They will also encourage initiatives to explore potential credit transfer program,  research collaboration opportunities and promote participation in education congresses, conferences, workshops, symposiums, training courses, and exhibits.

The universities agreed for the exchange of high-level officials, faculty experts, personnel and students in training, professional development and capacity building activities.

They will stimulate and strengthen information-sharing on academic quality, performance standards, evaluation of results, methodology development, student affairs, higher education system and structure and quality assurance.

Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera II lauded the collaboration of the nine universities.

De Vera expressed hope that such move will strengthen relations between Philippines HEIs and intensify the Philippine-Canada education system.