Canada province and PH sign MOU boosting education ties

Saskatchewan, Canada’s legislative building. The provincial government recently signed an education MOU with the government of the Philippines.

The government of Saskatchewan, Canada signed the country’s first provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government of the Philippines.

The government said the goal is to strengthen ties between post-secondary education institutions in the two countries, while also creating more chances for research partnerships and education exchanges.

“We are proud to be the first provincial government to enter an academic partnership with the Republic of the Philippines,” Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said in a press release. “This MOU will strengthen our current relationship, bring recognition to Saskatchewan on a global platform and build further opportunities for students, faculty and researchers.”

Makowsky said the MOU is a key component of Saskatchewan’s new International Education Strategy, which encourages access and collaboration between post-secondary institutions. He said strengthening these partnerships helps the province’s economic recovery and population growth goals outlined in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.

“This agreement heralds the dynamic partnership between the Philippines and Canada in higher education,” Dr. J. Prospero E. de Vera III, chair of the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education.

University of Saskatchewan president and vice-chancellor Peter Stoicheff also welcomed the news, saying the strengthened relationship would lead to an increase in student and faculty exchanges, along with the innovation and research benefits.

University of Regina president and vice-chancellor Jeff Keshen echoed those remarks, saying the agreement would strengthen the U of R by bringing more worldviews and perspectives to the campus.

“The University of Regina  is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment in which international students can learn, work and grow,” Keshen said.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Larry Rosia said, “International partnerships and exchanges help students develop a wide range of skills, including problem solving, adaptability, resilience, and intercultural competency.”