[Davao City, June 9, 2023] – The CHED RO XI, together with CHED IAS and CHED MIMAROPA, hosted the Exploratory Meeting on the Planned Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) at Park Inn by Radisson, Davao City.
The Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, or BIMP-EAGA, is a cooperation initiative established in 1994 that aims to spur development, generate balanced and inclusive growth, and contribute to regional economic integration in the ASEAN Economic Community by easing the movement of people, goods, and services across borders, by making the best use of infrastructure and natural resources and by taking advantage of economic complementation.
The areas of focus of the Exploratory Meeting on the Planned BIMP-EAGA Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Network are the promotion of educational opportunities and knowledge exchange within the member nations, the recognition of the crucial role of higher education institutions in driving economic progress and the development of initiatives that expand access to quality education, foster institutional cooperation, and enhance cross-border internationalization efforts.
The meeting brought together esteemed professionals, educators, and stakeholders from participating Philippine government agencies and higher education institutions to bring back to mind the importance of BIMP-EAGA and to discuss and explore collaborative initiatives in the field of higher education. Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CHED RO XI Director IV, warmly welcomed the participants in Davao City and expressed her gratitude to all who joined hands to make the meeting possible. She also commended their commitment and dedication to advancing education, fostering cooperation, and promoting sustainable development in the country and in the ASEAN region.
Moreover, through a recorded video presentation, Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, OIC, Deputy Executive Director, International Affairs Service, presented the Statement of Purpose and Overview of the Event. Mr. Eric R. Aquino, Director, DFA Mindanao, presented the Significance of EAGA as a Sub-region in ASEAN. Dir. Rodrigo B. Giducos, Director IV, Investment Promotion and Public Affairs Office, MinDA, and Mr. Jimmy K. Musa, DMO III/SCE Focal Person, MinDA, presented current updates on the BIMP-EAGA Cooperation. Atty. Joselito C. Alisuag, Director, CHED Regional Office MIMAROPA, and Chair, TWG for BIMP-EAGA, shared about BIMP-EAGA as a shared Past Towards a Common Future. And Dr. Hanlie A. Taha, Director, PSU Bataraza, presented their BIMP-EAGA Experience in Palawan State University.
