Quezon City:The Philippines emphasized significant higher education reforms aimed at advancing a sustainable blue economy during the 4th European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (EU-ASEAN) policy dialogue on Higher Education. This event, held under the EU-funded Sustainable Connectivity Package - Higher Education (SCOPE-HE), took place in Quezon City on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, in her keynote speech, highlighted the role of regional cooperation in enhancing higher and technical education for sustainable economic growth. This initiative aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has tasked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with showcasing the Philippines while delivering tangible benefits for ASEAN.

Agrupis detailed ongoing reforms across 2,366 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, focusing on preparing individuals for the future of the blue economy and leveraging research and innovation to ensure sustainability. She also mentioned CHED's HUSAY program, aimed at upskilling staff and faculty in Philippine HEIs.

The dialogue also underscored ASEAN and EU cooperation, with Agrupis emphasizing shared pathways like co-developed curricula, student and faculty mobility, and the recognition of qualifications. Dr. Radomir Jansky, Deputy Head of the European Union Mission to ASEAN, noted the EU's commitment to supporting the blue economy through investment in maritime sectors and fostering resilient coastal and ocean-based livelihoods.

Jansky also addressed the importance of regional cooperation in facing extreme climate challenges, highlighting the Philippines' preparations for the 'very strong' El Niño. The country has been deploying artificial intelligence-mediated technology for fisheries to mitigate the impact of drought and has issued policies to guide over 2,300 HEIs in maintaining academic sustainability during climate adversities.