Manila, Philippines– What will be your legacy? This question is usually unwelcome due to its enormity, but three Filipino educators are on their way to answering it. Jerome Amoranto of Bicol University (BU), Pam Eleazar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), and Brian Chiu of University of Santo Tomas (UST) are ushering progress into their respective industries through transnational education (TNE), which brings world-class postgraduate education to Philippine shores.
The British Council partnered with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Philippine and UK universities to develop TNE programmes that leverage faculty expertise and institutional knowledge in the country. TNE seeks to enhance the quality of higher education in the Philippines by establishing transnational ties with universities around the world. Through TNE, the British Council connects Philippine- and UK-based universities to provide Filipinos a chance to secure a local postgraduate credential and an international qualification—all without needing to study full-time in the UK. TNE also has its imprint on nation-building as the programmes align with the goals of the Transnational Higher Education Law, enacted by Philippine lawmakers in 2019.
Bicol academic makes strides in rice productivity research
Amoranto, who completed the dual degree of MSc Sustainable Food Systems from the University of Liverpool and MS Advanced Biological Sciences from BU, used his education to tackle the issue of rice security. Undertaking a TNE programme, Amoranto and his peers conducted a study on the fertility of rice paddies in an attempt to boost productivity. Their efforts have bore fruit.
Amoranto made connections with colleagues who hail from different backgrounds
“This model not only deepened understanding of nitrogen dynamics in paddy soils but also set the stage for further research, potentially leading to enhanced agricultural practices and greater food production efficiency,” Amoranto said. “The outcomes of this project are poised to influence future studies and methodologies in ecosystem management and agricultural planning.”
“The multidisciplinary and global nature of the TNE program exposed me to diverse approaches, encouraging me to think beyond traditional frameworks,” Amoranto explained after being asked about their achievement.
Thomasian seeks transformation of urban spaces
Chiu, an architect, delved into the urban parks of Metro Manila as he sought to find out how a population engages with its urban ecosystems. This was part of earning his dual PhD in Built Environment/Architecture from UK’s University of Reading (UoR) and UST. “My methodology could help decision makers managing urban ecosystems to know what values, benefits, and services are associated with people’s engagement in an environmental setting,” Chiu said. “This could help them identify the priority services or benefits in their future decision-making,” he added.
Chiu attributes this breakthrough to his TNE endeavor. “International peers offer different insights and understanding that could widen our horizon,” the UST academician said.
Through TNE, Arch. Brian Chiu earned his PhD degree from the University of Reading in 2022
UPLB educator takes on agricultural issues
Eleazar, assistant professor at UPLB’s College of Development Communication, is currently pursuing a dual PhD in International and Rural Development at UoR and Research in Development Communication at UPLB through the TNE.
“Since the Philippines has been experiencing outmigration in several industries, including the agriculture sector, it is essential to conduct studies that focus on the social aspect as much as the technical aspect of things,” she said. “I believe that understanding the plight and how to address these problems, in the long run, would benefit not only the farmers but also the policymakers.”
Pamela Eleazar (fourth from left) taught her postgraduate school colleagues about the Philippines’ agriculture realities
Amoranto, Chiu, and Eleazar unlocked a new opportunity to upgrade their proficiencies as TNE fills in the skills that they otherwise wouldn’t have. Through TNE, the Philippines get to produce internationally-trained local experts who contribute to national development. This is made evident by their research works that seek to address issues in agriculture and architecture.
Amid the strides they made, the trio are also focused on becoming better teachers.“I aim to cultivate a learning environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation, preparing students to become future leaders in food technology,” said Amoranto.
Chiu said his higher-level thinking process has been nurtured by TNE. “This is important especially as an academician to guide your students in their thinking process. Help them elevate their thinking into something that could greatly enhance the criticality and understanding of their work.”
The British Council is continuously at work to open more TNE opportunities, partnering with various educational institutions and government, like the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), to cultivate a fruitful exchange of knowledge and ideas between the Philippines and the UK. To learn more about TNE and other education opportunities offered by the British Council, visit www.britishcouncil.ph.