insights from atty: milla

1. Title: Internationalization
of Philippine Higher
Education
Insights from Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV
Reporter : Nhona Geah H. Ablando
Marilou Jerios

2. Introduction
• The Global Landscape
In an era where borders are increasingly porous, the internationalization
of higher education becomes paramount. This phenomenon refers to the
intentional integration of an international and intercultural dimension into
the teaching, research, and service functions of institutions of higher
education
• Why Internationalization Matters
At the heart of Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla's work is the recognition that
internationalization is not merely a buzzword but a strategic necessity. It
encompasses fostering global citizenship, enhancing academic quality,
and preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

3. • Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV
Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV, is a distinguished figure in
Philippine higher education. Holding the rank of Career Executive
Service Officer IV, she has dedicated her career to shaping the
landscape of education in the country. With expertise in strategic
planning and policy formulation, Atty. Milla has been a driving force
behind initiatives that propel Philippine higher education onto the global
stage. Her contributions extend to cultivating international collaborations,
fostering research advancements, and championing the development of
globally competent graduates. As an influential figure, Atty. Milla
continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the quality and international
standing of higher education.

4. Definition of Internationalization
• Internationalization is a deliberate and comprehensive strategy aimed
at integrating global perspectives into the core functions of higher
education institutions. It goes beyond mere student exchanges; it
encompasses a transformative approach to teaching, research, and
service. In this context, internationalization seeks to foster a culturally
diverse and inclusive learning environment, preparing students to
navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. It involves
strategic partnerships, collaborative research endeavors, and
initiatives that enhance the global competitiveness of our institutions.
Internationalization is not a luxury but a necessity for nurturing well-
rounded, globally-minded individuals who can thrive in the diverse and
dynamic global landscape.

5. Key Elements of Internationalization:
1.Global Perspective Integration: Incorporating global perspectives into
curricula, research, and institutional culture to cultivate a comprehensive
understanding of international issues.
2.Cultural Diversity: Fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that
embraces various cultures, promoting intercultural understanding and
respect among students and faculty.
3.Strategic Partnerships: Establishing and strengthening collaborations with
international institutions, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint research
initiatives, and student mobility programs.
4.Multilingualism: Encouraging language diversity to enhance
communication skills and facilitate the exchange of ideas across linguistic
boundaries.
5.Global Research Collaboration: Promoting and supporting collaborative
research projects with international scholars, fostering a culture of innovation
and knowledge creation.

6. Goals of Internationalization:
1.Global Citizenship: Developing students with a global mindset,
equipped to engage in global issues, and contribute to a more
interconnected world.
2.Enhanced Academic Quality: Elevating the quality of education by
integrating international best practices, diverse perspectives, and
innovative teaching methods.
3.Research Excellence: Advancing research capabilities through
global collaborations, fostering innovation, and contributing to the
creation of knowledge with global impact.
4.Cultural Exchange: Facilitating cultural exchange and understanding
among students and faculty, creating a rich and diverse learning
environment.
5.Global Reputation: Elevating the reputation of the institution on the
international stage, attracting top-tier talent, and enhancing the
competitiveness of graduates in the global job market.

7. The Philippine Higher Education Landscape
•
As of the present, the landscape of higher education in the Philippines is marked
by both opportunities and challenges. Over the next two decades (2020-2040),
the country aims to deepen its focus on internationalization of Philippine higher
education, foster regional and global partnerships, and benchmark itself against
international standards to enhance quality. Notably, the Enhanced Basic
Education Act (2013) and the Universal Access to Tertiary Education Act (2017)
have significantly expanded access to higher education. Additionally, the
development of Centers of Excellence/Development underscores the nation’s
commitment to improving quality.
• Internationalization efforts are evident through the use of ISO certifications in
both public and private higher education institutions. The adoption of outcomes-
based education and the 2019 Policy Standards and Guidelines on Graduate
Education reflect international benchmarking practices. Furthermore, the
Philippines has actively participated in the development of the ASEAN Higher
Education Area, focusing on university cooperation, intra-ASEAN student
mobility, and harmonization tools.the

8. The Philippine Higher Education Landscape
•
At the policy level, the institutionalization of the Philippine Qualifications
Framework (to be aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework)
demonstrates the country’s commitment to international standards.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has also formulated strategies
for internationalization and established regulations for transnational education
programs. Looking ahead, the Philippine higher education sector is poised to
embrace transnational education providers and potentially welcome international
faculty.
• Despite these positive strides, challenges persist. Funding for graduate
studies remains a concern, with limited scholarships available. Additionally, the
recent shift to digital delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a
hybrid approach combining traditional and digital modes of education. Faculty,
researchers, and professionals must engage in research, evaluation, and
strategic planning to enhance evidence-based practices and student learning
amidst the evolving educational landscape.

9. Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla's Perspectives and
Contribution
• Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV, the Director for International
Affairs Service, has been a vocal advocate for the internationalization
of Philippine higher education. Her views emphasize the
transformative potential of internationalization, positioning it as a
catalyst for quality, relevance, and sustainability.
• In her keynote address during the CHED Webinar on Responding to
Higher Education Challenges through Internationalization,
Atty. Milla succinctly captured the essence of this endeavor: “We
envision the internationalization of Philippine higher education as a
driver of quality, relevant, and sustainable trailblazing opportunities for
institutions, agencies, and other stakeholders that will transform the
country into a knowledge-based society”

10. Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla's Perspectives and
Contribution
• Here are the key points from her perspective:
1.Global Competitiveness: Atty. Milla believes that internationalization is essential for
developing a globally competitive human resource. By fostering international
linkages, Philippine universities can enhance their academic reputation and engage
in inter-university research collaboration. This global exposure equips students and
faculty with a broader perspective and prepares them to thrive in an interconnected
world.
2.Quality Enhancement: Internationalization serves as a catalyst for quality
improvement. By benchmarking against leading foreign universities, Philippine
higher education institutions (HEIs) can elevate their standards. The adoption of
international best practices, outcomes-based education, and ISO certifications
contributes to raising the bar for educational excellence.
3.Sustainable Opportunities: Atty. Milla envisions sustainable opportunities arising
from internationalization. These opportunities extend beyond academic exchanges
and include collaborative research, joint programs, and industry partnerships. By
embracing internationalization, HEIs can create a robust ecosystem that benefits
students, faculty, and the nation as a whole.
4.Challenges Amidst the Pandemic: While the pandemic disrupted many aspects of
international education, Atty. Milla acknowledges that the value of internationalization
remains crucial. The pandemic prompted a reevaluation of approaches, but the
underlying goal of transforming Philippine higher education remains steadfast.

11. The significant contributions of Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CESO IV. Her
work and research have been instrumental in shaping the discourse
around this critical area. Here are the key points highlighting her
contributions:
Policy Advocacy and Implementation:
Atty. Milla has actively advocated for policies that promote internationalization
within the Philippine higher education system.
Her role as the Director for International Affairs Service at the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) has allowed her to influence policy decisions and drive
meaningful change.
She played a pivotal role in the formulation and implementation of policies related
to student mobility, faculty exchange, and collaborative research.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
Atty. Milla recognizes the power of partnerships. She has championed the
establishment of strategic collaborations between Philippine universities and their
international counterparts.
Her research emphasizes the importance of bilateral agreements, joint programs,
and research networks. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, joint
research projects, and faculty development.

12. Quality Assurance and Accreditation:
Quality assurance is central to internationalization. Atty. Milla’s research
investigates how Philippine HEIs can align their programs with international
standards.
She has contributed to the development of quality assurance frameworks,
emphasizing outcomes-based education, ISO certifications, and accreditation
processes.
Transnational Education and Mobility:
Atty. Milla’s work sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of transnational
education. She explores how Philippine institutions can collaborate with foreign
universities to offer joint programs, twinning arrangements, and offshore campuses.
Her research delves into student mobility patterns, including inbound and outbound
student flows. Understanding these dynamics informs policy decisions.
Faculty Development and Capacity Building:
Internationalization requires a skilled faculty. Atty. Milla’s research underscores the
need for faculty development programs.
She advocates for training opportunities, international conferences, and research
fellowships. Empowering faculty members enhances their ability to engage in
global academic discourse.

13. Strategies for Internationalization
• The strategies and initiatives proposed by Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla,
CESO IV, which have significantly shaped the internationalization landscape
in Philippine higher education:
Policy Frameworks and Guidelines:
Atty. Milla has been instrumental in developing comprehensive policy frameworks that
guide Philippine universities in their internationalization efforts.
She emphasizes the need for clear guidelines on student mobility, faculty exchange,
joint research, and collaborative programs.
These frameworks provide a roadmap for institutions to align their strategies with
national and global priorities.
Bilateral Agreements and Partnerships:
Atty. Milla advocates for strategic partnerships between Philippine HEIs and foreign
universities.
Bilateral agreements facilitate student exchanges, joint degrees, and research
collaboration.
She encourages universities to explore partnerships beyond traditional Western
countries, promoting diversity and inclusivity.

14. Quality Assurance and Accreditation:
Quality assurance is central to internationalization. Atty. Milla’s initiatives focus on
aligning Philippine programs with international standards.
She promotes outcomes-based education, ISO certifications, and accreditation
processes.
By ensuring quality, Philippine HEIs enhance their global reputation and attract
international students and faculty.
Faculty Development and Training:
Atty. Milla recognizes that faculty play a pivotal role in internationalization.
She proposes faculty development programs, including international conferences,
workshops, and research fellowships.
Empowering faculty members enhances their ability to engage in global academic
discourse.
Research Collaboration and Networks:
Atty. Milla encourages HEIs to actively participate in international research networks.
Collaborative research projects with foreign institutions foster knowledge exchange and
address global challenges.
She promotes interdisciplinary research and cross-border collaboration.
Strategies for Internationalization

15. Student Mobility Programs:
Atty. Milla’s initiatives prioritize student mobility as a transformative experience.
She supports outbound and inbound student exchanges, study abroad programs, and
internships.
Exposure to diverse cultures and educational systems enriches students’ perspectives.
Digital Transformation and Virtual Mobility:
The pandemic accelerated digital adoption. Atty. Milla proposes leveraging technology for
virtual mobility.
Online courses, virtual conferences, and cross-border webinars enable global
engagement.
She emphasizes the need for digital literacy among students and faculty.
Advocacy for Inclusive Internationalization:
Atty. Milla champions inclusive practices. She believes internationalization should benefit
all students, regardless of socio-economic background.
Scholarships, financial aid, and support services are essential components.
She encourages universities to create an inclusive environment for international and local
students alike.
Strategies for Internationalization

16. • Some successful internationalization programs within the Philippine higher education
landscape:
1.British Council Report on Internationalization:
The British Council published a comprehensive report analyzing the readiness of Philippine higher education to
engage internationally.
The report highlights the country’s economic growth, demographic trends, and the use of English as an advantage
within the ASEAN region.
While the Philippines compares favorably with ASEAN peers, there’s room for improvement in openness to international
students and academics.
Initiatives include a comprehensive transnational education (TNE) strategy, but challenges remain in operating
through local partner institutions.
2.Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities (SISFU):
SISFU, a pioneer in Transnational Education (TNE) in the Philippines, collaborates with foreign universities.
Their initiatives include providing scholarships to faculty for advanced degrees and grants to improve facilities.
SISFU’s impact during the pandemic showcases resilience and progress in the Philippine higher education system.
3.Home-Based Internationalization:
This innovative approach focuses on enhancing curricula, teaching, research, and collaboration through technology and
networking.
While physical mobility may be limited, content-driven measures and activities are enriched by collaboration with
foreign partner HEIs.
4.Niche Development for Competitive Programs:
Philippine HEIs with internationally competitive programs benefit from becoming destinations for student and staff
mobility.
Institutions should identify their areas of strength and develop a well-defined niche in the global higher education
market.

17. Benefits of Internationalization
Enhanced International Cooperation and Capacity Building:
o Internationalization fosters collaboration between Philippine universities and their global
counterparts.
o Joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative programs enhance institutional
capacity.
o Exposure to diverse teaching methodologies and research practices enriches the academic
environment.
Increased International Networking by Faculty and Researchers:
o Engaging with international conferences, workshops, and research networks expands
professional networks.
o Faculty members gain insights from global peers, share best practices, and contribute to
cutting-edge research.
o These connections elevate the quality of teaching, research, and innovation.
Opportunity to Benchmark and Compare Institutional Performance:
o Internationalization allows Philippine HEIs to assess their performance against global
standards.
o By benchmarking practices, institutions identify areas for improvement and innovation.
o Comparative analysis informs strategic decisions, curriculum development, and quality
enhancement.

18. Benefits of Internationalization
Positioning within the ASEAN Region:
o The Philippines’ use of English as an official language positions its higher education
sector favorably within the ASEAN region.
o The ASEAN economic community facilitates skilled mobility, creating demand for higher
education.
o Internationalization strengthens the country’s role as a regional knowledge hub.
Global Reputation and Attraction of Talent:
o Internationalization enhances the reputation of Philippine universities.
o Attracting international students and faculty contributes to a diverse and dynamic
academic community.
o Talented individuals choose institutions known for their global outlook and quality
education.
Research Collaboration and Citation Impact:
o Collaborative research with international partners accelerates knowledge creation.
o Although research output may be lower than some ASEAN peers, citation impact remains
high.