By Emmanuel Amador
Computerworld Philippines
June 28, 2010

The University of Cebu (UC) and IBM Philippines launched a partnership called the “Earn As You Learn” (EAYL) Program in simple ceremonies at the school’s Banilad campus in Cebu City last June 22.

The first of its kind in the Philippines, the UC-IBM partnership is based on a successful collaboration between IBM and the University of Ballarat in Australia. The EAYL program consists of a new undergraduate course that combines a specialized curriculum with real-world experience in a professional IT environment. The EAYL is incorporated into UC’s eight-semester degree program, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Professional Practice.

IBM worked with UC to design the new course, recommending subjects to supplement the curriculum. IBM training material on topics such as business conduct, data security and privacy, database management, data analytics, and software quality assurance will also be provided. IBM subject matter experts will lecture on special topics and conduct continuous training for UC faculty.

“We are excited to work with one of the giants in the IT industry,” said Ms. Candice Gotianuy, UC Chancellor. “When IBM approached us and inquired if we were interested, we didn’t just say yes, we asked ‘when?’”

The EAYL officially began at the start of the 2010-2011 school year last June 15 with 16 scholars. The scholars were formally accepted into the program at the launch event, which was attended by the scholars’ parents’, top IBM executives, school and city government officials, and the media.

This is something exciting for both the university an the students,” said Dr. Ofelia Maña, UC - Banilad Campus Director. “If we provide our students with the right IT skill set and relevant work experience, we help ensure a healthy pipeline of competent IT graduates for the future,” she added.

GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSION

The partnership with UC is part of IBM Philippines’ geographic expansion efforts to reach new markets and transfer technology beyond its traditional Metro Manila client base. “Global demand for IT is growing is growing now more than ever. It spurs economic growth across all industries and economies. This collaboration will help address issues that collectively impact the IT industry,” said Mr. James Velasquez, President and Country General Manager of IBM Philippines. “It will help bridge gaps and address the shortage of competent IT professionals in Cebu City.”

Velasquez further explained that what would attract further investment from large players such as IBM would be a city’s openness to innovation, responsiveness to the demands of industry, and cooperation from the local government.

The launch was also attended by outgoing Cebu City Mayor and Congressman-elect Tomas Osmeña, who expressed appreciation for the new and timely training opportunities brought about by the EAYL program. Osmeña noted that for the first time, Cebu was not facing a shortage of jobs but instead a surplus of job openings particularly in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry without qualified candidates to fill them.

“We can’t keep on doing the same old routine of just cranking out graduates without a clear idea of where they will be going,” Osmeña said. He added that he was confident the new local administration of Cebu City would work with the private sector to train competent graduates who can qualify for high-paying jobs.

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