PACE forum in Melbourne marks 80 years of Philippines-Australia education ties

A free forum at RMIT University on 22 October, organised by PACE with the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne and FASTCO, brought policy leaders, Filipino-Australian educators and students together to chart the next phase of education links.

Policymakers, academics, education advocates, community leaders and students from the Philippines and Australia gathered at RMIT University in Melbourne on 22 October for Learning Together, a free forum marking 80 years of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations and looking at where educational cooperation between the two countries goes next.

The forum was organised by the Philippines-Australia Collaboration for Education (PACE) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, with support from the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria (FASTCO). The Philippine Times reported that it brought together speakers and participants from Melbourne and Manila across three panel discussions.

Policy, community and institutions

• Government policy: Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), and Rollie de la Cruz of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines spoke alongside Commissioner Cameron Baker of the South Australian Skills Commission and Lynden Mullen, Director of Global Victoria. Topics included education reform, Australia Awards scholarships, skills development and South Australia's skills engagement with TESDA.
• Filipino educators and communities: Dr Bonita Cabiles of RMIT University, Dr Ethel Villafranca of the University of Melbourne, community leader Toyo White and FASTCO's Edgar Daniel Bagasol Jr discussed how Filipino-Australians contribute through teaching, research, student leadership and community initiatives.
• Institutions and industry: Chancellor Michael Tee of the University of the Philippines Manila, Professor Richard Bassed of Monash University, Dr Mary Johnson of RMIT University and Jocely Bonilla of the Australian Volunteers Program covered partnerships such as UP Manila and Monash University's cooperation in forensic medicine.

For Filipino students and professionals pursuing opportunities in Australia, The Philippine Times said the first panel's discussion of educational pathways, skills recognition and professional development was particularly relevant.

From transactional to transformational

In his closing remarks, Consul General Jesus R.S. Domingo named two priorities: strengthening existing connections so they stay relevant and sustainable, and making greater use of the expertise of Filipino-Australian educators, researchers, students and professionals in advancing diplomacy through education. The Consulate called for a shift from transactional engagements to more transformational relationships.

Domingo also pointed to the Consulate's own programmes for Filipino-Australians across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, including the Australian-Philippine Professionals and Skills Network (ABSNET), which works on recognition of Philippine qualifications and credentials, the Voluntary Ambassador Program (VAMLA) for internships and leadership development, and the Melbourne Laboratory, developed with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

PACE was founded by Dr Marianne Sison, former honorary consuls Virginia Kalong and Raul Hernandez, and Associate Professor Robbie Guevarra, and brings together Filipino educational professionals in Australia who advocate mutually beneficial educational opportunities between the two countries.

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