Australia trains Philippine, Asean ‘future leaders’ on border, regional immigration responses to pandemic
SEVEN senior officers from the Bureau of Immigration, alongside counterparts from the Asean, completed their training on pandemic response, which was delivered by the Australian’s Department of Home Affairs and renowned Australian research institution RMIT University.
The inclusion of Philippine senior immigration officials in the training program is an excellent example of Australia and the bureau’s close cooperation, as well as commitment, to joint and regional programs, according to the commonwealth’s embassy in the country.
“Australia is committed to supporting the Philippines’s response to [the health crisis], and this includes preparing for the resumption of travel and improving readiness for future pandemics,” said Ambassador of Australia Steven J. Robinson AO. “In the spirit of mateship and bayanihan, we are pleased to be able to work with the Bureau of Immigration on this leadership-training course, delivered online for the first time.”
The Australian Embassy in Manila’s Chief Immigration Officer and Counselor Jane Honner confirmed that the Border Control Agency Management Program (BCAMP) Upskill-pandemic Preparedness was able to support 54 immigration and border officers from 10 Asean countries who are at the forefront of international efforts to oversee border closures and resumption of travel.
BCAMP Upskill-pandemic Preparedness is a four-week Australian government-sponsored training program, delivered in partnership with the RMIT University branch in Hanoi, Vietnam. Its four key themes are: challenges faced by immigration agencies; best practices during the health crisis; reopening borders; as well as preparations for future pandemics, with a focus on building skills and connections between immigration stakeholders.
Since 2010 BCAMP has provided specialized training for immigration, border and customs officers from Asean countries—including the Philippines. Honner affirmed: “This long-running initiative is a prime example of the cooperation between [our countries, as well as others,] to address problems of regional magnitude.”
“These provided an opportunity to pioneer practical, online, flexible and part-time courses for BCAMP alumni during the pandemic,” she added. “Delivered in July to August, and [previously] in November to December 2020, the program allowed participants to learn while still fulfilling their daily work duties and‘ other commitments.”
The Bureau of Immigration’s Deputy Commissioner Atty. Aldwin Alegre CPA, LLM delivered the keynote video presentation and shared his personal strategic insight on leadership: “This regional training program is [an essential part] of the Philippines’s preparation to open up travel and improve our readiness for future pandemics. We are grateful to Australia for their continued support. All Filipino participants have expressed [the usefulness of the training], especially in developing a closer relationship with their Asean counterparts.”