St. Paul University Philippines hosted the 2021 national workshop and conference of the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Philippines on August 26, 2021 with the theme, “AIMS.Ph: Aiming for an Intensive Mobility for Students of the Philippines for the ASEAN/Asian Region” which was participated in by the twelve AIMS member universities of the Philippines together with officials and staff from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
In her welcome message, SPUP President Sister Merceditas Ang, SPC appreciated the gathering of the International Relations Officers and other HEI participants as she urged the group to come up with workable and resilient plans so that the activities become implementable during the current academic mobility disruption and beyond. Moreover, CHED Commissioner Dr. Aldrin Darilag, in his message, challenged the participants to continue upholding international quality standards in the academe and as they embark on new mechanisms in student mobility.
Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Director, International Relations Centre of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) and Ms. Rajni Sachdeva (Country Head, Client Relations of the Association of Indian Principals) posted great encouragement on the participants to work on retooling of skills of teachers and to inspire them to come up with engaging activities for students’ online work. It is also important to provide de-stressing period from online work for both teachers and students. They also encouraged HEIs to venture into virtual mobility which is cost-effective and could be an opportunity for more students to be engaged in cross-cultural dialogues.
During the workshop session, the participants assessed the AIMS performance of the Philippines by looking at its strengths and points for improvements and to see opportunities for an enhanced implementation of the said program. An initial draft of the Strategic Plan for AIMS Ph was accomplished which could form part of a policy recommendation.
Atty. Lily Freida Macabangun-Milla (OIC Deputy Executive Director and Director III, International Affairs Staff of the Commission on Higher Education) reminded the 12 HEI participants of their roles in the AIMS program that aside from their privilege to send and accept students for credit transfer under AIMS, they are partners of CHED in creating a harmonized student mobility program for the Philippine Higher Education Institutions.
The said workshop conference was participated in by IROs and AIMS implementers from Ateneo de Manila University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University, Central Mindanao University, De La Salle University, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, St. Louis University – Baguio, St. Paul University Philippines, University of Mindanao, University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, University of Sto. Tomas, and University of the Philippines together with officials and staff from the Office of Student Development and Services, Higher Education Development Fund Staff, and International Affairs Staff of CHED.
