Policies and Guidelines in the Implementation of International Linkages and Twinning Programs

January 11, 2000

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 001-00

 

In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as "Higher Education Act of 1994", by virtue of CHED Resolution No. R389-99 dated November 11, 1999 and in view of the need to safeguard the integrity, quality and systematic implementation of international linkages and twinning programs between international and Philippine higher education institutions, the ensuing Policies and the accompanying implementing Guidelines for International Linkages and Twinning Programs, are hereby set forth:

ARTICLE I

Statement of General Policies

It is the policy of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to internationalize higher education in the country in order to facilitate the development of human resource base that will be responsive to the demands of the 21st century.

In pursuit of this policy, the Commission on Higher Education hereby establishes the policies and guidelines on international linkages and twinning programs. The policy and guidelines endeavor to strengthen educational, cultural, social, economic, and political bonds between Philippine and foreign institutions of higher learning thereby fostering a vibrant exchange of cultures integral to a peaceful living within the global community.

ARTICLE II

Definition of Terms for International Linkages and Cooperation Program

1. Academic Degree — The award conferred by higher education institutions to students who have fulfilled the requirements of an academic program.

2. Affiliation — A collaborative agreement between Philippine and foreign institutions of higher learning centered on a limited number of programs and activities that the partners may compromise to cooperate together.

3. International Linkages — Voluntary combination of Philippine and foreign institutions for the furtherance of objectives dictated by their mutual interest.

4. International Networking/Consortium — Alliance among schools of 3 or more countries with the goal of implementing the following programs: faculty and experts exchange; student exchange; fellowship; collaborative research undertaking; scholarship grants; curriculum enhancement; library and laboratory enrichment and/or cultural exchange.

5. Twinning Program — Collaborative arrangement between one Philippine and one foreign university with the desire to build capability of both institutions; to operate, manage and administer an undergraduate or graduate program and to provide opportunity for students to have international diploma or degree.

ARTICLE III

Specific Policies

International Linkages and Twinning Program Initiatives shall be formally entered by Philippine higher education institutions with foreign institutions of higher learning through the following modes: inter-university partnership, networking, consortium, linkages and twinning programs.

Higher Education Institutions classified as "recognized and accredited" shall be authorized to conduct and initiate linkage and twinning programs with the institutions of higher learning abroad. Foreign institutions shall have standards at par with Philippine institutions in terms of government recognition, faculty strength and curriculum.

The CHED shall be consulted in the finalization of a Memorandum of Agreement to safeguard the systematic and efficient granting of Philippine diploma, certificates or degrees to foreign students, and the granting of the same privilege to Filipino students.

ARTICLE IV

Objectives

The objectives of the International Linkages and Twinning Programs are to:

(1) to upgrade the present quality of academic programs through collaborative activities, effective exchange of faculty and co-operation in research;

(2) to strengthen educational, cultural, social economic and political bonds between Philippine and foreign institutions;

(3) to develop pedagogical reform through international linkages in higher education and research;

(4) to promote and facilitate international mobility of teaching staff and students as an essential part of quality and relevance of higher education;

(5) to enhance existing higher education goals in the country.

ARTICLE V

Implementing Guidelines

A. Responsibility — The implementation of this program shall be the responsibility of the Commission on Higher Education in coordination with and assistance from other concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation.

B. Participants — The International Linkage and Twinning program is an agreement between partner institutions composed of:

1. Philippine Higher Education Institutions — Institutions which are recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, and attained at least Level II accreditation status represented by the president, rector or vice-chancellor.

2. Foreign Institutions of Higher Learning — Institutions which are recognized by their respective governments and accredited by their accrediting bodies as quality institutions. The foreign institution shall be represented by its president, rector, vice-chancellor or the director of international programs or by its authorized representatives in the country.

C. Initiating and Implementing International Linkages and Twinning Programs

1. "Twinning Programs".

a. The twinning program can be done through:

1. Faculty-student exchange;

2. Collaborative research;

3. Scholarship grants;

4. Short and Long term training (Diploma, MA, Ph.D.);

5. Curriculum development and enhancement;

6. Library and laboratory enrichment;

7. Cultural exchange

b. Philippine higher education institutions shall identify "potential partner" and should determine the potential "fit" between themselves and the "candidate foreign partner institution".

c. Both partners shall draft the memorandum of agreement in terms of the programs, duration, evaluation and termination of the agreement.

d. Both parties shall review the proposed agreement and submit the same to the Commission on Higher Education which shall determine whether it complies with all the national laws as well as the CHED's policies.

e. For evaluation, the following documents should be submitted to the Commission:

a) objectives and nature of the twinning program;

b) Background of the foreign institution including its recognition from the Ministry of Education or its equivalent;

c) Proposed MOA of the contracting party;

d) Approval of the proposed MOA by Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Education or its equivalent;

e) Certification of accreditation of the contracting parties.

f. Philippine higher education institutions intending to offer a degree, diploma or certificate to foreign students under the twinning programs shall have at least level II accreditation. Likewise, foreign universities and colleges intending to offer a diploma or certificate leading to an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degrees for Filipino students, which may be represented by their authorized representatives in the country, should possess the highest level of recognition from their respective governments duly authenticated by their respective embassies and consulates in the country.

2. International Networks and Consortium

a. The CHED encourages participation of recognized higher education institutions in international networks and consortium as this is crucial to the understanding of global issues, the development of highly skilled human resource and the overall institutional growth.

b. Higher education institutions obtaining membership in international network and consortium shall at least be recognized by the Commission on Higher Education. They shall have the financial mechanism to support the membership in the network.

c. Philippine Higher Education Institutions shall seek the approval of the CHED in joining academic consortium and networks with programs leading to awarding of undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees. In this case, the institution shall be required to submit to CHED the following documents:

a) Objectives and nature of the consortium/network

b) Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement stating the degree to be conferred.

c) Certification of recognition of programs and

d) Level II or III accreditation of the programs to be awarded

d. Recognized higher education institutions in the country desiring to become a part of international consortium and network whose nature does not lead to awarding of undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees may take part freely in this collaborative activities.

3. Establishment of Foreign Schools and institutions of higher learning with a partner local university

a. CHED shall, on a case to case basis, and consistent with national economic development policies, authorize the establishment and operation of educational institutions with foreign equity in special economic zones to ensure that all services shall be available to foreign investors and their dependents in the said special economic zones.

b. The foreign university which shall establish its branch in consortium with local university shall follow appropriate procedures and secure appropriate clearances from the following government agencies:

1. Commission on Higher Education

2. Securities and Exchange Commission

c. The two contracting parties shall accord mutual help to each other in everything that may be needed in this endeavor and shall develop a special agreement in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country.

ARTICLE VI

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. The Commission on Higher Education shall implement a system of evaluating and validating International Linkages and Twinning Program. The system will be installed as part of quality assurance mechanism to ensure adherence to the international standards of excellence on international programs.

2. The partner Institutions shall assign authorized officials to assess and evaluate the implementation of the linkages and twinning programs including the mode of financing and institutional support during the duration of the program. 

3. The Philippine higher education institution shall regularly submit a report on the status of international linkage and twinning programs.

ARTICLE VII

Sanctions

1. Any school found guilty of violating the provisions contained in this Policies and Guidelines shall be subject to revocation of its permit to participate in the international linkages and twinning programs.

ARTICLE VIII

Effectivity

This policy and implementing guidelines shall take effect immediately.

Pasig City, Philippines, January 11, 2000.

 

(SGD.) MONA D. VALISNOOfficer-in-ChargeCommission on Higher Education

ESTER A. GARCIAChairpersonCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) MONA D. VALISNOCommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) ROBERTO N. PADUACommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) KATE C. BOTENGANCommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) HADJA ROQAIYA VR. MAGLANGITCommissionerCommission on Higher Education