PAASCU played an active role in the “Higher Hopes: Consultation on the Transnational Higher
Education (TNHE) National Strategy,” held from September 17 to 18, 2025, at the Sheraton
Manila Hotel, Newport World Resorts. The event brought together national policymakers,
institutional leaders, quality assurance experts, and academic organizations, and industry
partners to help chart the course of Philippine higher education amid increasing
internationalization and emerging global trends.
Representing PAASCU were Dr. Janette R. Rodriguez, Dr. Lucila R. Calairo, and Dr. Maria
Resurreccion P. Alejo, who joined participants from various sectors to propose specific
strategies based on the five thematic areas prepared by CHED. As a respected External Quality
Assurance Agency (EQAA), PAASCU contributed its perspectives on sustaining academic
excellence, upholding global competitiveness, and ensuring the integrity of quality assurance
processes within cross-border education. The agency’s involvement emphasized mutual
recognition of qualifications and harmonization of standards across national boundaries,
underscoring the value of rigorous and transparent peer-review mechanisms.
The event highlighted TNHE’s increasing strategic relevance for national development,
innovation, and social mobility. Discussions stressed TNHE’s role in advancing lifelong learning,
promoting international collaboration, and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. Key themes included the importance of robust governance, research and
talent development, access and inclusion, data-driven monitoring, and global partnerships to
support the country’s higher education sector.
In various sessions, PAASCU representatives actively engaged in workshops and dialogues
concerning quality assurance—supporting the need for institutional alignment with
international benchmarks and transparent accreditation, without steering or directing the
overall discussions. Their participation reflected the vital supportive role that EQAAs play in
fostering integrity and comparability in Philippine and transnational higher education.
The consultation concluded that TNHE is a powerful, transformative strategy for fostering
innovation and inclusion in higher education, serving as a catalyst for national progress and
global competitiveness. The success of the TNHE strategy depends on strong collaboration
among policymakers, higher education institutions, and EQAAs. As highlighted in the event’s
conclusion, the ongoing refinement and harmonization of quality assurance standards will help
ensure academic programs remain effective and credible in the international arena. The role of
agencies like PAASCU—as dedicated participants and quality partners—remains essential in
upholding rigorous standards and building trust in Philippine higher education at home and
abroad.
