Philippine Education Leaders Embark on U.S. Benchmarking Mission to Enhance Education Sector

RESEARCH | April 15 – 19, 2024

Philippine delegates during USAID US Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning Program | (Photo Courtesy: Prof. Katrisha Faye Pingol)

The delegation of Philippine education leaders, including university presidents, commissioners, and policymakers, successfully concluded an Executive Benchmarking Mission in Washington DC and Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America from April 15 to 19, 2024. The initiative was organized under the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its U.S. Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) program.

The benchmarking aimed to address the challenges faced by the Philippine education sector by exploring innovative approaches in higher education, graduate education, research, and internationalization. Participants engaged with prominent U.S. higher education institutions, government agencies, and education stakeholders in Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts.

UMak President Elyxzur C. Ramos was among the key participants who attended forums and discussions on effective university administration, student access, and the social impact of higher education. This benchmarking mission served as a significant step towards designing effective interventions and legislative proposals that will drive sustainable improvements in the country’s education landscape.