The United States government through its US Agency for International Development has allocated P1.6 billion to bankroll a program intended to make the Philippines’ higher education graduates globally competitive.
The US Embassy in Manila said USAID launched the $30-million US-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program on Feb. 20.
Under the program, US universities, Philippine government agencies engaged in human capital development, and private sector partners will cooperate to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions through faculty and staff training, curriculum improvements, and increasing community outreach and technology transfer.
The US Embassy said the initiative was jointly announced by President Marcos and US President Joseph Biden during the Philippine leader’s visit to the White House last May.