The British Council Celebrates 45 Years of Commitment in the Philippines
The British Council in the Philippines recently marked 45 years of dedicated efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the UK and the Philippines. The milestone event took place on February 16 at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City.
Under the theme “Committed Connections,” the British Council gathered partners, grantees, scholars, and stakeholders to honor the enduring collaborations and relationships it has built over the past four decades.
Since its establishment in the Philippines in 1978, the British Council has played a vital role in creating numerous opportunities for cooperation, exchange, and growth in education, arts, and culture through various projects and initiatives across the country.
Utilizing the UK’s expertise in arts, culture, education, and the English language, along with its global network spanning over 100 countries, the British Council has developed a unique approach to drive positive change across different sectors in the Philippines.
In an interview, the country director of the British Council in the Philippines emphasized the organization’s significant contribution as a leader in cultural relations and international education in the country.
Through a wide array of programs and initiatives, the British Council actively engages with educators, policymakers, academics, creatives, and entrepreneurs in the Philippines. In the arts sector, the organization collaborates on innovative projects that promote creative enterprise, innovation, and inclusive growth.
In the education sector, the British Council works closely with the Philippines to support internationalization through initiatives such as the Access and Competitiveness through Internationalization of Higher Education program, which has enabled Filipino scholars to pursue studies abroad and fostered partnerships between UK and Philippine universities.
Moreover, the organization has also made significant contributions to shaping the Transnational Higher Education Law in the Philippines, opening up more opportunities for higher education institutions to engage in international partnerships.
Additionally, the British Council offers the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to support Filipinos pursuing study, work, or residency abroad. The organization has supported over half a million Filipinos in achieving their international aspirations.
Furthermore, the British Council has been actively involved in the Justice Sector Reform Programme: Governance in Justice in partnership with various Philippine offices, societal organizations, and law schools to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups in the country.
As part of its 45th-year celebration in the Philippines, the British Council hosted the inaugural Study UK Alumni Awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of Filipino alumni who have pursued higher education in the UK. Awards were given in categories such as Science and Sustainability, Business and Innovation, Social Action, and Culture and Creativity.
Looking ahead, the British Council remains committed to nurturing its relationship with Filipinos through the opportunities it provides. The organization has identified the Philippines as a super-priority country for 2024, highlighting its promising growth and potential.
The British Council acknowledges the collective efforts of its team in the Philippines, past and present, for their invaluable contribution to Philippine development and lasting impact in the Southeast Asia region.
