THE COMMISSION on Higher Education and York University in Canada inked a Memorandum of Understanding on academic collaboration to launch the partnership between Philippine universities and York University for the Globally Network Learning.

The MOU was signed by CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III and President and Vice Chancellor of York University Dr. Rhonda Lenton.

“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,” De Vera said.

“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,” he added.

The CHED chief and officials of Philippine universities recently visited Canada to foster stronger university-to-university collation between the two countries.

The Philippine Higher Education High-Level Mission to Canada and higher education institution 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, Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, Ryerson University, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs of Ontario and with the  Fil-Canadian professional associations.

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

York University has more than 55,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

This year, Times Higher Education ranked York University 11th in Canada and 67th globally.

“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 Philippine Summer Abroad Course on Dance and Culture and Ms. Helen Balderama, Director, Global Engagement and Partnerships,” CHED said.