British Council strengthens commitment, identifies Philippines as ‘super-priority' for 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The British Council in the Philippines proudly celebrated 45 years of unwavering commitment to fostering educational and cultural ties between the UK and the Philippines. A milestone event took place last February 16 at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City. 

With the theme, "Committed Connections," the British Council brought together partners, grantees, scholars and stakeholders to commemorate the enduring partnerships and relationships it has cultivated over the decades.

Since its establishment in the Philippines in 1978, the British Council has been a driving force in facilitating countless opportunities for collaboration, exchange and growth in education, arts and culture through numerous initiatives and projects across the country. 

Leveraging the UK's expertise in arts, culture, education and the English language, along with its global network spanning over 100 countries, the British Council has developed a distinctive approach to drive positive change across various sectors in the Philippines. 

In an interview with Lotus Postrado, country director of the British Council in the Philippines, she emphasized the organization’s significant role over nearly five decades as a leader in cultural relations and international education within the Philippines.

“I have seen the immense value of working alongside partners who share the same vision and who are imbued with the same tenacity and commitment as we do here in the British Council,” Postrado told Philstar.com.

Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, the British Council directly engages with educators, policymakers, academics, researchers, creatives and entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

In the arts sector, the organization collaborates with different organizations on various innovative projects that advance creative enterprise, innovation and inclusive growth.

A notable example is the 2020 collaboration between the British Council and the Design Center of the Philippines on a pioneering design economy mapping initiative, which influenced the development of a National Design Policy with its recommendations. 

In education, the organization actively collaborates with the