UV is first school in Cebu to offer micro-credentialing

CEBU, Philippines — In the global industry, having a degree and a diploma is no longer enough.

One must possess several certifications as an edge among competitors in applying for a specific job or position.

The University of the Visayas, starting this school year 2023-2024 which will officially start today, August 29, is offering micro-credentials among its college students in all courses.

With an aim to have a 100 percent employability among their graduates right after graduation, the university is partnering with East West International Educational Specialist in making this vision a reality.

Micro-credentialing is defined as the process of earning a micro-credential, which are like mini-degrees or certifications in a specific topic area.

Rosemarie Español, UV Dean of Colleges of Business Administration and Graduate School of Business, said that in the global area, the demand of the work industry is getting to be competitive, a reason why they have to improve their curriculum and integrate these micro-credentials most especially on technical skills into their curriculum, for their graduates has a competitive edge in the global arena.

“You choose the right school for you because UV is going to provide you with global and international qualifications before you graduate. You will be globally recognized,” said Dennis Layug, the chief executive officer of East West during the orientation of UV college students last Saturday.

With their partnership, UV will subsidize 50 percent of the fee for every skills certification they enrolled in. A typical fee is at least P6,000 per certificate.

Micro-credentialing, Layug said, is a certification or credential for a specific skill or knowledge area. Micro-credentials are typically smaller in scope than traditional degrees and often earned through online courses or training programs.

He also explained that the International Skills Certification is a global and industry-wide recognition wherein certifications are often used to demonstrate proficiency in a particular skill or knowledge area and enhance their skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing job market as well as retooling, upskilling and re-skilling related to exponential technologies.

Layug said that Exponential Technologies needed globally includes Digital Marketing / Social Media Analytics, Data Science / Data Analytics, Cloud Computing / Edge Computing, Cybersecurity, Business and Financial Analytics and Algorithms, Metaverse / Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality / Extended Reality, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Deep Learning, Internet of Things, Blockchain / Cryptocurrencies / NFT, 3D Printing, Robotics Process Automation, Nanotechnologies and Robotics / Cobotics.

He added that their Programs in Accountancy, Finance, Marketing and other Business-Related Courses includes Certified Financial Markets Professional, Certified Information Security and Data Privacy Practitioner, Certified Advanced Equity Analyst, Certified Cloud, System Analyst, Certified Advanced Technical Analysts, Certified Artificial Intelligence Professional, Certified Data Science Associate, among others.

Layug added that their programs (all Courses, Computer Studies, Math, Business, and Engineering) include Certified Data Science Associate, Certified Data Science Professional, Certified Cloud System Analyst (CCS), Certified Artificial Intelligence Professional, Certified Information Security and Data Privacy Practitioner.

Their program on Engineering, IT, and Criminology, includes Certified Cyber Security Associate, Certified Cybersecurity Professional, Cybersecurity Certification Leading to CCA and CP, among others.

For Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications (2019), they are offering the MOS Excel Basic and Expert, MOS PowerPoint, MOS Word Basic and Expert MOS Access.

Layug said these micro-credentials will be incorporated in UV’s current curriculum starting this school year.

“We have industry partners who are experts in their own right to teach the students of UV,” said Layug adding the one who will issue the certificate, depending on what micro-credentials they are taking, includes Microsoft, Google, Meta, CISCO, Cyberhub, Silicon Valley and their other partners.

Layug said that for example there is a global demand for cybersecurity professionals citing the statement of Department of Information and Technology Secretary, Atty. Ivan Uy, that currently, there are three million job vacancies for cybersecurity experts around the globe.

However, while the demand is high for Filipino IT experts, only a few attained the proper training and certification to be employed.

Español also cited that for instance one company is looking for an Accountancy graduate with 13 different certifications.

“Karon lahi na gyud dili na enough ang Transcript of Records, Diploma or degree, inig apply nimo og work, ang mga employers mangita na gyud og certification. Like if you have a certification on data analytics, etc. and UV answers that are needed through our partnership with Layug’s company,” Español added.

Español added that their partnership with East West International Educational Specialist way back in 2016 but this micro credential is only offered among students taking business administration.

“Pero beginning this school year, from first year college to fourth year college, gi offer na ni and UV is subsidizing 50 percent the tuition fee for two semesters,” Español further said.

The UV graduates, Layug said, will have the skills that the industry is looking for.  — (FREEMAN)