The Philippines strengthened its partnership with Cambodia to boost support for higher education institutions (HEIs) and for collaboration within the region, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said Tuesday.

In a press release, CHED said officials of the Commission and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday aimed to provide opportunities to learners and ensure sustainable development between the two countries.

The MOU was signed in Phnom Penh and was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Hun Manet as part of the President’s official state visit.

“It underscores the commitment of both nations to expand educational opportunities, foster academic excellence, and strengthen people-to-people ties, solidifying the Philippines and Cambodia’s role as partners in advancing inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development in the region,” CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said.

Under the agreement, the Philippines and Cambodia will utilize a “comprehensive framework” for academic and research partnerships among their HEIs.

It all provides students and faculty members opportunities for exchange, joint research initiatives, information sharing, credit transfer arrangements, and collaboration for conferences, workshops, and training, among others.

Among the fields covered in the collaboration are aviation, health sciences, allied medical services, science, technology, and innovation.

“This partnership is a powerful reminder that education is not only an investment in people but also in the shared future of our nations,” Agrupis said. (PNA)