Mabalacat City College (MCC) and the Australian College of Studies (ACOS) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Understanding. The agreement establishes a collaborative framework aimed at advancing education and workforce development between the Philippines and Australia.
The signing ceremony included representatives from both institutions. Representing MCC were Vice President for Finance and Administration Happy Pelayo, Vice President for Global Relations, Opportunities, and Workforce Development Raymond John Vergara, Vice President for Student Life Floriend Non, and the Institute Deans. MCC President Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong participated virtually, delivering a message on the significance of the collaboration.
Dr. Aguilar-Ong emphasized the role of partnerships in enhancing educational and workforce opportunities. She noted that such initiatives contribute to institutional and economic objectives in both countries.
The delegation from ACOS included General Manager of Operations Roula Christodoulides, Office Manager Reginald Mangilit, Marketing Executive and MCC alumna Shiarrah Gayle Sitchon, and Business Advisor to the CEO Maureen Tan. The event also featured Ms. Kimberley Cuesta, Business Development Manager (Education) of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, representing the Australian Embassy.
Ms. Christodoulides provided an overview of ACOS’s approach to education, emphasizing the institution’s focus on practical and relevant academic outcomes. She also mentioned that in ACOS they do not only treat students as students but they treat them as family members. thus, students would not only gain academic credentials but a holistic australian education experience.
Ms. Cuesta outlined the Australian Embassy’s efforts in partnering with the Philippine Commission on Higher Education to advance transnational education initiatives. She noted that the agreement between MCC and ACOS reflects progress toward this goal.
The agreement establishes a Skill Sets Program designed to provide students with industry-specific knowledge and skills. This initiative supports the shared objective of producing graduates equipped to contribute to their respective professional fields.
The program concluded with an orientation on the skill sets program.
