With the aim of strengthening the education sector, the Board of Investments (BoI) announced key amendments to the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) by fostering international collaboration and promoting academic excellence.

The BoI released Memorandum Circular (MC) 2024-08 that includes changes considering global industry updates involving the development of education cities and branch campuses.

The guidelines include provisions for the establishment of branch campuses in the Philippines, as defined under the Republic Act (RA) 11448 or the Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) Act.

In particular, Foreign Higher Education Institutions may establish branch campuses in partnership with local entities, provided that the local partner is at least 60 percent Filipino-owned.

Education City, now under the Infrastructure and Logistics of the SIPP, encompasses the development of a contiguous area for the establishment and operation of education facilities and buildings with digital infrastructure as well as the provision of auxiliary services that will enhance students’ education experience.

Education facilities and buildings may include research, healthcare, athletics, culture and art facilities.

BoI executive director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa of the Industry Development Services (IDS) underlined the significance of these amendments in aligning the education sector with the progressive vision of the TNHE Act.

Pivotal to education agenda

“The amendments are pivotal to advancing the national education agenda,” said executive director Halili-Dichosa. “The new guidelines will enhance opportunities for international collaboration that would facilitate access to expertise and knowledge relevant to global industry trends, empower students, and bridge the gap between academe and industry,” she added.