MANILA – The Philippines and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Education, reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in education and strengthening their people-to-people ties.

The agreement between the Philippine Department of Education (DepED), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the New Zealand Ministry of Education was signed during the bilateral meeting between Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.

The cooperation establishes a framework for enhanced Philippines-New Zealand cooperation in education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), higher education, and professional development. It promotes academic exchanges, institutional partnerships, research collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and stronger linkages among educational institutions, creating greater opportunities for students, educators, and researchers from both countries, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

The signing underscores the importance both countries place on education under the Philippines-New Zealand Comprehensive Partnership and reflects their shared commitment to investing in human capital, fostering innovation, and promoting mutual understanding between their peoples. The agreement aims to further deepen bilateral relations by supporting long-term collaboration in education and contributing to stronger economic, social, and cultural links between the Philippines and New Zealand. - END