The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Friday said it has linked more than a hundred higher education institutions (HEIs) from the Philippines with global partners across 13 countries.

This came as the country participated in the two-day Higher Education Partnerships Conference (HEPCON) 2026 from Oct. 1 to 2.

Through this conference, participating HEIs can explore potential international partnerships in areas such as collaborative research, joint academic programs, student and faculty exchanges, shared expertise, and other programs.

In a statement, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis underscored the need for these connections to deliver concrete partnership outcomes.

“We are not here simply to add more connections to an already extensive map,” she said.

This expansion of linkages seeks to provide opportunities for Filipino students, faculty, researchers, and institutions, she said.

“We are here to make those connections more purposeful, more active, and more productive,” Agrupis said.

HEPCON 2026, meanwhile, features exhibition spaces where participating HEIs and partners showcase their programs, explore potential collaborations, and advance engagement among delegates.

To date, about 326 Philippine HEIs maintain 4,951 linkages across 116 countries.

The commission aims to translate these connections and partnerships with 2,479 foreign partners into beneficial outcomes for learners and HEIs. (PNA)