Manila, Sept. 11 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has established the Education Philippines (EduPhil) Program to promote the country as a preferred destination for international students seeking higher education, research, and training in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 124 signed by Marcos on Sept. 8, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will serve as the lead implementing agency of the EduPhil Program, which serves as the national program to strengthen the country's competitiveness as a hub for higher education, research, and academic exchange.

The EO was issued in view of the growing importance of international education as a "driver of economic growth, innovation, cultural diplomacy, hum...