Sixteen senior academic officials from twelve (12) Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) began their journey as Higher Education Innovation Leader Fellows of the ASU-led fellowship program as part of the UPSKILL program.
UPSKILL, which stands for U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program and is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/ Philippines, is a five-year program that brings together U.S. universities, Philippines government agencies and private sector partners to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions through faculty and staff training, program improvements and increasing community outreach and technology transfer.
The Fellowship is part of the UDI’s four key activities in higher education capacity strengthening under the UPSKILL program, along with the Transformation Accelerator Program, which will kick off later this year. ASU, by way of the University Design Institute, was one of three U.S. consortium universities selected to participate in the UPSKILL program, led by RTI International.
The eight-month fellowship program kicked off in May 2024 with a series of masterclasses and convenings, led by University Design Institute leaders and experts. The classes and convenings focused on key themes such as collective change, future trends in higher education, as well as critical themes impacting higher education including artificial intelligence, planetary health, technology and student employability. The Fellowship will culminate in a visit to Arizona State University in the fall.
The select fellows are established leaders in their own institutions who are dedicated to enhance their leadership capabilities and bring high-impact innovations both for their institutions and broader communities. Meet the 16 fellows who are ready to transform the futures of higher education in the Philippines.
 Dr. Ramelito Agapay |  Engr. Jeffrey Binwag |
 Dr. Jose Antonio Clemente |  Dr. Arvin Roxas de la Cruz |
 Dr. Mee Jay Domingo |  Dr. Jonathan Rivera Dungca |
 Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab |  Dr. Rock Joseph Enriquez |
 Dr. Mary Jane Flores |  Dr. Roberto Martin Galang |
 Dr. Mildred Libot |  Ms. Aline Magalong |
 Mr. Roseller Malabanan |  Dr. Malaya Santos |
 Dr. Tiffany Adelaine Tan |  Dr. Maria Teresa Trinidad Tinio |
The Higher Education Innovation Leaders Fellowship aims to develop advocates for innovation and impact in higher education. By the end of their fellowship journey, they will be expected to develop an innovation project plan for their institutions.
Here’s what our fellows have to say on their fellowship mission.
Recognizing the Fellowship's goal to develop advocates for innovation and impact in higher education, I am particularly drawn to the three central goals of individual, network, and systems development. I am eager to engage in a transformative learning experience [and] make meaningful contributions to the health professions education community, the higher education community in the Philippines, and ultimately have a positive impact on health service delivery and health outcomes for patients and populations.
Dr. Malaya SantosMapúa University
I may have forged local and international partnerships for the university, but I am still learning the most effective and efficient way to build collaborative networks of higher education leaders. The [fellowship] could give me takeaways to share and implement in building sustainable and equitable networks of anticipatory thinkers, risk-tolerant leaders, and courageous decision-makers who can design transformative changes in their universities.
Dr. Mee Jay DomingoMariano Marcos State University
I believe Philippine Higher Education requires external support to inspire its leaders to dream big for the Filipino people, and I believe this program may kickstart that initiative. I aim to make a further impact by developing policies and programs that foster an organizational culture of innovation among UP's academic and administrative staff. I desire to cultivate a culture of innovation in everything we do—not solely for individual benefit but for the university to truly serve the nation.
Dr. Tiffany Adelaine Tan University of the Philippines System