House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre welcomed the Australian National University delegation at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, where he presented key higher education reforms under the Committee’s Ten-Point Higher Education Legislative Agenda. Their discussion covered measures on CHED modernization, expanded access and retention, digital transformation, micro-credentials, quality assurance, industry partnerships, faculty development, internationalization, and student welfare. ANU likewise shared areas for collaboration in governance, policy research, and academic exchanges as both sides explored opportunities to strengthen Philippine higher and technical education.
Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education and TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre welcomed the delegation from the Australian National University (ANU) at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, formally conveying the welcome on behalf of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and the House leadership. He briefed the delegation on the legislative reforms now underway to modernize Philippine higher and technical education and to strengthen research and institutional partnerships with global institutions.
Acidre noted that Congress’ higher education agenda is anchored on his Committee’s Ten-Point Higher Education Legislative Agenda, and further guided by the findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which continue to shape efforts to address system gaps, governance issues, learning losses, and long-term structural challenges across the sector.
At the center of these reforms is the modernization of higher education governance. Acidre discussed the proposed CHED Modernization and Governance Reform Act, which seeks to strengthen CHED’s autonomy, enhance institutional coordination, and support long-term planning. He also highlighted the Expanded Access and Retention in Higher Education Act, which focuses on widening access, promoting equity, and ensuring students receive sustained support to stay and finish their degrees.
Acidre outlined efforts to accelerate digital transformation through the Digital Higher Education Transformation Act, which aims to equip institutions with the infrastructure and digital content required for modern learning environments.
He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and flexible pathways through the proposed Micro-Credentials and Short Courses Act, which institutionalizes stackable, industry-aligned learning options for adult learners, displaced workers, and professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. He likewise cited the National Qualifications and Quality Assurance Framework Act, which strengthens the quality assurance ecosystem and ensures learning programs remain aligned with workforce demands.
To deepen industry engagement, Acidre discussed the Higher Education–Industry Partnership Act, which seeks to standardize internships, apprenticeships, and dual-training systems across institutions. On the TVET side, he detailed ongoing work to update TESDA’s mandate through the TESDA Reform and Modernization Act, alongside continuing studies on the proposed TVET Devolution Act to strengthen alignment between higher education, technical-vocational training, and industry requirements.
Acidre also underscored the need to invest in faculty development and research capacity. He cited the Faculty Development and Research in Higher Education Act and the SUC Internationalization Support Act, both of which aim to enhance graduate studies, research production, and international collaboration. He further noted the proposed Public-Private Partnership in Higher Education Act, which reinforces complementarity between public and private higher education institutions.
Reforms in student welfare were similarly highlighted, including updates to the Magna Carta of Student Rights and Welfare, which institutionalize mental health services, guidance counseling, emergency assistance, and more responsive support systems across higher education institutions.
Acidre acknowledged that ANU’s strengths in governance, public policy, quality assurance, and work-integrated learning offer models that can support Philippine reforms. He noted that ANU’s strong research culture and tradition of international collaboration open opportunities for joint studies, capacity development, faculty exchanges, and policy work.
“Working with institutions like the Australian National University is both strategic and meaningful for the Philippines,” Acidre said. “Their experience in governance, policy development, and research provides insights that can guide our ongoing reforms.”
The ANU delegation was led by Prof. Björn Dressel, Inaugural Director of the ANU Philippines Institute, together with policy and research specialists from various ANU programs. Their visit forms part of the Institute’s initiative to deepen bilateral cooperation through policy engagement, research partnerships, and academic exchanges.
Acidre thanked the delegation for their visit and expressed confidence that continued collaboration between ANU and Philippine institutions will support shared goals for a stronger and more future-ready higher education sector.
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