By: Joycelyn P. Ituriaga
📅 Date: October 24, 2025
📍 Venue: UC Theater, University of the Cordilleras
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM to 3:20 PM
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Center for Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE Philippines) in a ceremonial event held at the UC Theater. This strategic partnership aims to provide students and alumni with access to certification programs, professional development opportunities, and industry-relevant credentials.
This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the following indicators:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
Indicator 4.4.1 – Proportion of youth and adults with relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
→ By offering certification programs and lifelong learning opportunities that enhance employability and entrepreneurial readiness. - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Indicator 8.6.1 – Proportion of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, employment or training.
→ Through initiatives that prepare students and alumni for evolving industry demands, reducing barriers to employment and promoting career advancement. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Indicator 17.17.1 – Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.
→ By formalizing collaboration between academic institutions and professional organizations to strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement for sustainable development.
Program Highlights
The event began with welcome remarks from Dr. Grace R. Tobias, Dean of CBA, who emphasized the importance of academic-industry collaboration and lifelong learning:
“Today’s activity inspires us to keep learning and growing and working together for excellence and service.”
Ms. Hazel P. Banwa, event facilitator, presented the rationale of the partnership, highlighting the value of professional certification in today’s competitive landscape.
Mr. Gabriel R. De Guzman, Program Chair of CBA, delivered a message on strengthening professional pathways:
“This is not just a personal matter—it’s about professional growth and readiness.”
Representing CPACE Philippines, Mr. Jan Emille C. Tena, Managing Director, shared insights on the evolving nature of training and education:
“Training shapes and reshapes how we live, learn, and teach. In a fast-moving environment, you must stand on your toes and be ready for advancement. This will be a fruitful and dynamic collaboration.”
MOA Signing Ceremony
The formal signing of the agreement was led by representatives from both institutions:
CPACE Team:
- Mr. Jan Emille C. Tena, Managing Director
- Mr. Jefferson C. Sejalvo, Director for Partnership
- Ms. Luz Angelica N. Natino, Program Coordinator
UC CBA Team:
- Dr. Grace R. Tobias, Dean
- Mr. Gabriel R. De Guzman, Program Chair
- Ms. Rhodora Ann N. Ontal, Faculty
Orientation on Certification and Credentialing
Following the signing, Mr. Jefferson C. Sejalvo conducted an orientation on CPACE’s certification programs and alumni credentialing opportunities:
“Add value to yourself beyond the paper. Cultivate trust through upskilling—your path to zero doubts and a premium career in management.”
CBA Team during the MOA signing ceremony at UC Theater (from right to left): Rhodora Ann N. Ontal, Gabriel R. De Guzman, Dr. Grace R. Tobias
CPACE Team during the MOA signing ceremony at UC Theater (from left to right): Luz Angelica N. Natino, Jefferson C. Sejalvo, and Jan Emille C. Tena
Jan Emille Tena, CPACE Managing Director, and Dr. Grace R. Tobias, CBA Dean, lead the MOA signing ceremony held at UC Theater
Open Forum and Industry Consultation
An open forum and industry partnership consultation followed, moderated by Mr. Gabriel R. De Guzman. Students, alumni, and faculty actively engaged in discussions on industry trends and career development. A key question raised:
“What major changes and trends are currently reshaping industry locally and globally?”
The CPACE team responded by emphasizing the integration of ERP systems, project management platforms, and the importance of embedding AI education into the curriculum through CHED-led consultations and expert seminars.
Closing Remarks and Photo Documentation
The event concluded with photo documentation and a closing message from Ms. Rhodora Ann N. Ontal, CBA Faculty:
“Today’s MOA signing is not just a formal event—it’s a celebration of collaboration, growth, and shared purpose. It marks the start of new opportunities for our students to develop their skills, gain professional certifications, and be truly industry ready.”
She left students and alumni with a powerful reminder:
“With every certification you earn, you take one step forward—one step closer to becoming the competent and confident professional our industry needs.”
#UCiansLead #ProfessionalGrowth #CPACEPartnership #SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG17 #TatakUC #yesUCan #WeBleedYellow
Photo by: CBA - CSC
