Shijiazhuang Institute of Railway Technology (SIRT) and Mabalacat City College (MCC) inaugurated an 8-week Railway Course on 16 November 2023 in a virtual groundbreaking ceremony. This marked the commencement of a collaborative educational venture transcending international boundaries.
MCC President Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong articulated her enthusiasm for this course that both institutions have been preparing for some time in her opening remarks. She highlighted the shared vision to foster increased employment opportunities and emphasized the beginning of a strategic partnership. Dr. Ong's remarks resonated with the strategic importance of the course in preparing professionals for the burgeoning railway sector.
SIRT Director Jiang Xixing warmly invited MCC students, faculty members, and staff to join the Railway course in China, underscoring the commitment to global collaboration in education. Director Jiang expressed her hope that the student's interest in the railway program would develop even more, advancing a deeper understanding of the practical application on railway management.
Among the distinguished attendees were Director Liu Xunchen, Zhang Hongtao, Liu Chang and Li Zetao from the Department of Railway Engineering; Director Zhang Qingbin, Deputy Director Zheng Hua, Han Duoduo and Sun Xingmian from the Department of Information Engineering; and Director Jiang Xixing and Teacher Guo Xuantong from the International Exchange Center of SIRT. Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong, VP for Global Relations Opportunities and Workforce Devlopment Mr. Raymond John D. Vergara, and MCC students represented MCC. Mr. Hou Jifu and Ms. Joy Mao Romualdo represented Beijing Phihua International Education Technology.
The activity also introduced diverse courses and schedules for the online Railway course, laying the foundation for a comprehensive educational journey. As the railway industry gears for significant growth, the collaboration between SIRT, MCC, and Beijing Phihua International Education Technology aims to equip learners with the essential skills and insights needed to excel in this dynamic field.
This course is positioned as a vital response to the evolving workforce needs of the railway industry. Opportunities set to emerge as early as 2025 signal a promising future for aspiring railway professionals. This commencement symbolized the shared commitment of the institutions to nurturing well-equipped professionals for the rising railway industry.
