Philippines slates education roadshow in Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines is set to promote its premier quality education through a delegation composed of representatives from top local universities and accredited institutions in Indonesia this month.

The roadshow is in line with the government’s efforts to develop the country’s export potential in education services.

“The Philippine education sector has much to offer to the Indonesian market and we are optimistic that this event will bode well for the strengthening of the Philippines’ bilateral relations with Indonesia,” DTI export marketing bureau director Senen Perlada said.

DTI, in partnership with the Foreign Trade Service Corps., organized this year’s participation to the World Education Expo Festival (WEEF), Indonesia’s biggest education expo.

“This participation is part of the government’s initiatives in exploiting opportunities presented by regional and preferential-trading arrangements to expand market access within existing trade partners, exploring new trade partners, and developing new export products,” the DTI said.

The WEEF 2016 is targeting to attract over 10,000 students from over 100 high schools and universities in Indonesia who seek to further their education in distinguished overseas institutions.

“We are looking forward to a productive meeting with education institutions, educational consultants, students, parents and other interested parties wishing to form joint venture agreements, franchising and other forms of collaboration with the participating institutions,” said Alma Argayoso, Philippine Embassy’s Commercial Counselor in Indonesia.

According to DTI, the outbound business mission is a follow through initiative of the government to develop the country’s export potential in medical tourism, retirement services, education services as well as in information technology-business process management such as health-information management, software development, game development, animation and back-office services.

A highlight of the outbound business mission is the business matching activity where the Philippine delegation is expected to meet major players and develop a network of cooperation that would strengthen the country’s education services.

“With a population of 250 million, Indonesia offers a lot of opportunities to Philippine institutions. Indonesian demand for better education and good learning environment, desire to study and improve English proficiency, desire to be independent, earn money and build network are the opportunities that the country can maximize through this education expo,” the DTI said.

“The Philippines is considered an excellent choice with its affordable tuition fees and cost of living, cultural similarities, and high-quality education with English as its primary medium of instruction. It also provides a multicultural learning atmosphere combined with fun and an enjoyable stay in the country,” it added.