Marcos Launches EduPhil Program to Attract Foreign Higher Education Students

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has established the Education Philippines (EduPhil) Program to promote the country as a preferred destination for international students seeking higher education, research, and training. Executive Order No. 124, signed by Marcos on Sept. 8 and posted on Friday at the Official Gazette, states that the Philippine higher education system will strengthen academic cooperation, research collaboration, innovation partnerships, and facilitate the entry, stay, and education of foreign students. READ: DBM releases P9.75-B Free Higher Education funding for 108 SUCs It establishes an EduPhil Task Force, which shall serve as the principal inter-agency coordinating body to promote, facilitate, and develop the program. The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) will serve as the lead implementing agency of the EduPhil Program, with the Department of Foreign Affairs as vice-chair. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Tourism, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Professional Regulation Commission will be its members. The responsibilities of the EduPhil Task Force are as follows: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the promotion and development of the EduPhil Program. Coordinate with relevant government agencies, higher education institutions, and international organizations to ensure the effective implementation of the program. Facilitate the entry, stay, and education of foreign students in the Philippines, including streamlining visa and immigration processes. Promote academic cooperation, research collaboration, and innovation partnerships between Philippine higher education institutions and foreign universities and research centers. Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the EduPhil Program, and recommend necessary adjustments to ensure its success. The EduPhil Program is part of the Marcos administration's broader strategy to boost the country's human capital and economic competitiveness. By attracting foreign students, the Philippines aims to not only generate revenue but also to foster a more diverse and vibrant academic environment, enhance research output, and potentially encourage some students to pursue careers in the Philippines after graduation. This initiative aligns with the government's goal of positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for education and innovation. The program is expected to benefit local universities by increasing enrollment, diversifying student populations, and encouraging international faculty exchanges. Furthermore, it could lead to increased demand for related services such as accommodation, transportation, and cultural activities, thereby stimulating local economies.