MOA SIGNING BETWEEN PTC AND PACUCOA FOR MEMBERSHIP
IN WASHINGTON ACCORD

The Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, and Engineering (COMSTE) is hosting the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) to set up an accreditation system for Philippine schools in gaining membership in the Washington Accord.

"COMSTE has been instrumental in the push to have the Philippines become an accredited member of the Washington Accord. This accord is an agreement between nations that recognizes the equivalence of engineering programs, and therefore allows our Filipino engineers to practice as professionals in the signatory countries," said Angara.

Dr. Reynaldo Vea, one of main proponents behind the push for Philippine accreditation in the Washington Accord is also the Chair of the Science, Math, and Engineering (SME) panel of COMSTE. The panel has identified the accreditation of the Philippines into the Washington Accord as an essential step in helping keep the country globally competitive.

"Without membership in this exclusive group, our engineers are at a disadvantage as their education is not considered at par with international standards. With the signing of the MOA, we are taking a step towards leveling the playing field by giving our engineers international accreditation and recognition," noted Angara.

Angara said "the PTC and PACUCOA are taking the initiative to come together and work towards achieving accreditation for the Washington Accord. In this time of global crisis, we have to make sure we are able to keep our competitiveness level high in order to not just survive but also to prosper," said Angara.

The MOA signing will be held Tuesday, 2 March 2010, at 6pm at the Samar room of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, Manila. COMSTE Chair Sen. Edgardo J. Angara and Co-chair Rep. Joseph Emilio A. Aguinaldo will sign the MOA as witnesses.