Arroyo graces AMA graduation rite

PRecognizing her great efforts in establishing the Philippines as the information and communications technology hub of Asia, the AMA Education System welcomed President Arroyo as its guest commencement speaker last May 3.

The President addressed the 10,000 graduates of AMA Computer University (AMACU), AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) and AMA International Institute of Technology (AIIT) from the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and was viewed and heard live in three other graduation venues, namely: the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and the Davao Convention Center.

The AMA commencement exercises were held simultaneously in four different venues nationwide and webcast to millions of Internet users worldwide via http://www.amaes.edu.ph.

AMA Education System (AMAES) is a recognized leader in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education and training in the country. It continually supports the government in uplifting the ICT literacy of many Filipinos and in producing top graduates who can compete globally.

AMAES president Amable C. Aguiluz IX led the welcome ceremonies of the candidates for graduation while Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz V, chairman emeritus and university president, delivered his graduation message.

Inspirational speeches were also delivered by AMAES’ global partners, Dr. Lynn Eckhert of Harvard Medical International and Dr. Alan Fisher of the Carnegie-Mellon University.

Micheal Haigh of the NCC Education of the United Kingdom and Ambassador Aguiluz V conferred the degrees on the graduates with two diplomas, one in the Philippines and the other one from the NCC in the United Kingdom, which is recognized worldwide.

Prominent alumna, Hewlett Packard Director Arturo Baqui inducted the graduates to the AMA Alumni Association, a symbolic undertaking that serves as an inspiration to all AMA graduates to emulate his achievement in the field of IT.

To ensure its graduates with better employment opportunities, AMA has established linkages with several world-class institutions like Microsoft, Harvard Medical International, Carnegie, Cisco System, NCC-UK, Avaya and Fluke Networks. A tie-up has also been inked with Convergys, a local leader in business outsourcing, to enable AMA graduates to readily access jobs in its call centers.

There are about 6,000 jobs available this year in Convergys to make AMA graduates more competitive. The AMA International English Language Center also provides them world class training in the English language and American culture.

The latest school put up by AMA through its partnership with Harvard Medical International (HMI) of the world renowned Harvard University is the AMA School of Medicine and Nursing, which will usher in a new era in medical and health care education in the country.

True to its commitment to corporate social responsibility, the AMA Foundation has also made available P500 million this year for 5,000 outstanding but economically challenged Filipino students.

Ma. Teresa A. Barsaga delivered the valedictory address, while Lourdes D. Torres led the graduates in their pledge of loyalty. Both are cum laude B.S. Computer Science graduates.