Twenty-two state universities and colleges (SUCs) have partnered with the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) to open internship, exchange, and cultural immersion opportunities for students in the Clark Freeport Zone.

Under the partnership signed on July 8, Pampanga State University (PamSU) will serve as the lead institution that will coordinate student placements from 21 partner SUCs across the country in Clark-based industries.

Through the agreements with CILA and participating universities, PamSU will facilitate internships, supervision, accommodation, and immersion activities with Clark locators, including electronics, semiconductor, logistics, and other companies.

The initiative aims to strengthen the talent pipeline for Clark, which hosts around 1,350 locators and 151,000 workers, while giving students from different regions access to industry experience and employment opportunities.

The pilot project is part of an initiative supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to develop a national framework for local internships and student exchanges among higher education institutions.

CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong said the program will help connect students from areas with limited industry exposure to companies seeking skilled graduates, while CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized that collaboration among SUCs creates a wider and more effective talent pool for industry partners.