TAU aims to become 15th PHEI in int’l mobility alliance

Article by Mr. Jerome L. Duque (External Linkages and International Affairs)

Photos by Mr. Jayson J. Elenzano (External Linkages and International Affairs)

Link of Photos: Article Images

By showcasing its BS Agriculture program, a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-designated Center of Development (COD), the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) through the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) and External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) sought the approval of Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) validators from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on 13-14 June.

A flagship program of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) - Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (RIHED), AIMS currently involves 14 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) holding either Center(s) of Excellence (COE) or COD and were recognized as autonomous or deregulated institutions. If passed, TAU will be the third university north of Metro Manila to be confirmed as a member of the prestigious group.

Such a challenge was accepted by TAU when its president, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, signified the intention of the institution to subject itself to the assessment of AIMS Technical Working Group. As echoed by Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), the validation is in line with TAU’s push for an expanded mobility program. “Student mobility, along with other key factors, played a crucial role in achieving our goals for IZN in terms of university rankings, accreditations, and certifications,” Dr. Ferrer shared.

After orienting TAU officials, the CHED team led by Ms. Corazon N. Nualda, Education Program Specialist II, proceeded to the evaluation of documents submitted by ELIA. On the second day, Ms. Nualda and her colleagues inspected a number of relevant facilities like SMART Agriculture Center, Root Crops Research and Training Center, Engineered Bamboo Production Area, and Innovation Laboratory (iLab).

AIMS-qualified students will participate in a short-term exchange program lasting up to six months, with the purpose of gaining hands-on experience to develop their multicultural skills, knowledge, and competencies in specialized fields such as agriculture, food and technology, and environmental management and science among others. Expenses to be incurred are subsidized by CHED.

Launched in 2009 as a tripartite agreement among Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand with the support of SEAMEO, AIMS started as a pilot project and has now grown into a comprehensive  multilateral academic and research ecosystem involving other Southeast Asian countries, Japan, and South Korea.

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