The continuously evolving global job market poses a great number of challenges for job seekers today. Most common among them are skills mismatch, technological threats, and increasing competition. Given these modern challenges, Filipino workers need upskilling—and in turn, education institutions need to make upskilling opportunities more accessible for them.
Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines, recently forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), international business process outsourcing (BPO) company iQor, and Bacolod’s largest BPO company PanAsiatic Solutions. These collaborations aim to empower Filipinos through financial literacy programs, and internship and upskilling opportunities. It also offers scholarship opportunities for working professionals, reinforcing MMDC’s mission to promote lifelong learning among Filipinos.
Financial literacy for working students with BPI
(From left) MMDC’s Kirsten Mayuga,Corporate Communications and Brand Officer; Joshua Villanueva, Corporate Communications and Partnerships Senior Manager; and Jenny Chua, Vice President for Marketing and Admissions, with BPI executives Mark Race, President and CEO, BPI Securities; and Sabina Dimayuga, Client Acquisition Officer, BPI Securities seal their collaboration to boost financial literacy among Filipinos.
Financial literacy remains a critical need in the Philippines. According to the 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), only 2% of Filipinos were able to correctly answer common questions on financial literacy. Meanwhile, 69% understood half of the concept correctly and 54% expressed interest in attending financial literacy training sessions.
To address this gap, MMDC and BPI Securities are launching Step Up sa Pera, a series of financial literacy workshops tailored for working students. The sessions will equip students with hands-on financial management skills, allowing them to wisely manage and navigate limited budgets while balancing family, personal, and academic expenses. MMDC is set to conduct several financial literacy sessions every term with BPI.
"The reality is that most of our students are trying to balance work and studies while managing limited resources. Our collaboration with BPI is a proactive step toward equipping them with essential financial skills to make informed financial decisions—a skill every professional should learn," said Jenny Chua, MMDC Vice President.
In addition to these financial upskilling sessions, MMDC also regularly shares carefully curated financial literacy content and tips to help students in their financial journeys. These newsletters are distributed not just to current students but also to the broader "Step Up sa Pangarap" community of working students across the country.
Upskilling Filipino workers with iQor and PanAsiatic Solutions
MMDC and iQor ink their partnership toward uplifting Filipino working students and professionals. (From left) Angel Joy Mendoza, Human Resources Manager; Gladies Lorraine Dela Peña, Human Resources Senior Manager; and Cristal Grace Galicia, Human Resources Director; and MMDC’s Engr. Dennis Tablante, Executive Director; Joshua Villanueva, Corporate Communications and Partnerships Senior Manager; and Kirsten Mayuga, Corporate Communications and Brand Officer.The IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) industry is grappling with low talent absorption rates and high attrition rates, likely driven by job mismatches. In response, the Philippine government has acknowledged the issue and recently approved funding to upskill up to 340,000 workers, aiming to better align workforce capabilities with industry needs.
Sharing the same goal, MMDC's collaboration with iQor centers on bolstering the career progression of both iQor employees and MMDC students. This reaffirms MMDC's commitment to promoting lifelong learning and career development in the IT-BPM industry.
MMDC will grant Continuing Education Scholarships to iQor employees, where select employees will receive a partial scholarship program. MMDC students, in turn, will gain access to internships and employment opportunities at iQor.
MMDC and PanAsiatic Solutions seal their partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing. (From left, seated) Rogie Mark T. Arceñas, PanAsiatic Solutions Sr. Director of Client Relations; and Joshua Villanueva, MMDC Corporate Communications and Partnerships Senior Manager. (From left, standing) PanAsiatic Solutions’ Mary Agnes N. Capigon, HR Director; and Alain Fideles Pilar, Recruitment and Sourcing Manager; with MMDC’s Mikaela Parreno, Partnerships and Marketing Officer; and Mary Grace Gundran, Brand Manager.Similarly, PanAsiatic Solutions’ more than 4,000 employees are also eligible for Continuing Education Scholarships as well as exclusive discounts on MMDC’s Certification Programs. The partnership also opens internship and employment pathways for MMDC students within PanAsiatic Solutions, further bridging the gap between education and industry experience.
Under the partnerships with iQor and PanAsiatic Solutions, completing a degree or special certifications is made more accessible and possible for employees.
"By increasing access to education for working professionals, we are building a stronger, more resilient Filipino workforce. The partnership allows iQor and PanAsiatic employees access to a flexible and industry-relevant education and certification program that supports their career goals. This enables them to earn in-demand skills and thrive in the evolving workplace. Together with iQor and PanAsiatic Solutions, MMDC supports Filipino workers’ development while creating opportunities for our students to gain valuable industry exposure as well," said Engr. Dennis Tablante, MMDC Executive Director.
Through these inter-industry collaborations, MMDC remains at the forefront of inclusive education that responds to the evolving needs of Filipino working professionals and students. As financial literacy and upskilling become increasingly essential, MMDC stands as a committed and trusted ally in nation-building—advancing financial inclusion and career development.
For similar partnership inquiries or more information about MMDC, visit mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/ or send an email to hello@mmdc.mcl.edu.ph.
0 Comments