PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

18 August 2026, CANBERRA — Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio A. Morales met with the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training, to discuss opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in technical vocational education and training (TVET), transnational education, and skills and qualifications recognition.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the contributions of the Filipino diaspora to Australia's critical skills shortage and the value of Australia’s high-quality vocational education and training sector to Filipino students and workers. He underscored the potential to expand partnerships between Australian and Philippine education and training institutions.

Minister Giles expressed interest in deepening TVET cooperation and reinvigorating the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Vocational Education and Training. They also discussed closer engagement between Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Ambassador Morales and Minister Giles noted the significant role of education and skills cooperation to support the workforce needs in both countries. Other areas identified for further cooperation also included industry-linked training to support workforce development. The meeting also underscored the importance of education and skills cooperation in strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership.- END

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