FSI Gathers Philippine Higher Education Institutions in International Relations

Participants of CHEIIRS, hosted by FSI Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III (left), gather with Undersecretary Charles C. Jose (6th from left).

PASAY 06 June 2024 – Foreign Service Institute Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III convenes the first Conference of Higher Education Institutions on International Relations and Studies (CHEIIRS) on 31 May 2024, with DFA Undersecretary Charles C. Jose opening the event.

The 13 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which participated in CHEIIRS were Ateneo de Zamboanga University, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mindanao State University, Miriam College, New Era University, Philippine Women’s University, San Beda College-Alabang, Silliman University, St. Scholastica’s College, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

CHEIIRS is envisioned by FSI to serve as a platform for participants to explore diverse educational models and actionable strategies adaptable to various contexts. The inaugural event facilitated meaningful connections among educators, fostering collaborations and partnerships expected to lead to future initiatives and improvements in the field of international relations.

The participants welcomed FSI’s initiative to gather senior professors of the participating HEIs, which included 6 college deans. The academics shared information on the priorities and focus of their respective institutions, including the identification of their external partners in the region and beyond. It is expected that similar events will be organized by participating institutions to gather educators in the field of international relations.

Prior to the conclusion of the Conference, Fernandez invited the participating institutions to join a proposed Foresight Conference on Emerging International Issues (ForCEII) which FSI plans to host later this year.

FSI is the research and training office of DFA. It was established under Presidential Decree No. 1060 on 9 December 1976 and its remit was expanded by Republic Act No. 7157 by incorporating a new research unit in the Institute, i.e., the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS). The FSI Board is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Director General of the FSI, President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as members. END

FSI’s key officers, headed by FSI Director General Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III (2nd from left), (L-R) Outgoing Executive Director Stephanie Beatriz O. Valera, Incoming Executive Director Lolita B. Capco, and Deputy Director General Marichu C. Liwanag