NEW ZEALAND—In demonstration of its commitment to strengthening global academic cooperation, Samar State University (SSU) participated in the Philippine High-Level Mission to Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand led by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) from June 21 to 28, 2025. SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia represented the university during the mission’s visit to Christchurch and Wellington, which included institutional engagements with the University of Canterbury and Massey University.
The week-long initiative, held across Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland, brought together CHED officials, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) officials, and Presidents and International Relations Officers (IROs) from 13 Philippine higher education institutions.
The mission is a follow-through from the initial visit in August 2024 aimed at deepening cooperation between Philippine and New Zealand higher education institutions. This year, this visit sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation, align policies on microcredentials and credit transfer systems, and reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to global educational standards and workforce mobility.
The delegation met with Philippine Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena and New Zealand’s Ministry of Education, through Minister for Universities Dr. Shane Reti, on the first day of the mission. In the following days, the delegation visited various universities and educational landmarks in New Zealand. The group headed by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela visited Dunedin. Meanwhile, a second group was headed by CHED Director IV Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, who visited Christchurch. President Palencia joined the latter delegation where they visited the University of Canterbury.
The Philippine Embassy in New Zealand extended full diplomatic support to the delegation, with Ambassador Azucena, Consul General Aro, and Honorary Consul Nicole Macaballug accompanying the PH representatives throughout key visits.
This mission stands as a testament to the country’s pursuit of global educational excellence and its strategic alignment with SDG Goal 4: Quality Education. With its visionary leadership and commitment to global academic cooperation, SSU continues to sow seeds of excellence beyond borders.
