MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC/Commission), as represented by Atty. Melisa Jane Comafay Yeachana, Director IV, International Affairs Office (IAO), and Ms. Kathlyn Irish Mae C. Polido from the Qualification Recognition Division (QRD), together with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), several State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) representative actively participated in the Symposium and Workshop led by the University of Hertfordshire – UK in collaboration with the British Council, entitled “Shaping the Future of Philippine Transnational Education (TNE) through TNE-Focused Research”. The said event was held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) grounds, C.P. Garcia, Diliman, Quezon City, on July 02, 2025.

CHED provided the TNE key interests and priority fields, which include: Agriculture, Engineering, Healthcare, Sciences, and Digital and Telecommunications Infrastructure, among others. Moreover, the team updated the body of thirteen (13) TNHE Programs approved under the Republic Act No. 11448, otherwise known as the Transnational Higher Education Act.

In addition, the working papers on the Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMCs) between CHED and other relevant national government agencies were introduced to the pool of TNE practitioners and experts. One of these intended JMCs includes Collaboration between CHED and PRC, where existing procedures for applying for a Special Temporary Permit (STP) were presented.

Professor Karen Mpamhanga from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, discussed the Global perspectives on TNE and shared that the Philippines only has three (3) publications based on a Scopus search. Scopus is a comprehensive database created by Elsevier, containing abstracts and citations of academic literature across various disciplines. TNE-focused research in the Philippines will guide individual practices, which in turn shape institutional direction and the implementation of TNE. Additionally, it shall contribute to the national policy and drivers to address regional needs and further broaden global understanding.

The attendees then participated in the workshop facilitated by Professor Mpamhanga. PRC was able to share with the SUC team members its roles in assisting the foreign faculty/professionals coming to the Philippines to practice their respective professions.

PRC shall continue to participate in the collaborative works to maintain the network, and continue discussions relative to the whole-of-government approach in the implementation of transnational higher education in the country.

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