The launch of Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) may be able to finally address the skills gap in the technology industry. By making the classes flexible, students now have access to courses focused on business and technology.

MMDC will adapt online curriculum and offline experiences creating hubs in different spots in Metro Manila for students to collaborate or study. MMDC’s first two Learning Hubs will be located at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf (Quezon City) and Ayala Malls Capitol Central (Bacolod City).

“Through a series of in-depth interviews, we’ve determined critical factors for students and parents when deciding to choose a college: the reputation of the school, close proximity to their homes, affordability, and an experience that will help them get the career they want,” said Derrick Latreille, chief learning officer of MMDC and co-founder of Ayala Education. “Mapúa Malayan Digital College will be fulfilling all these through its unique student experience.”

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Philip Gioca, country manager, JobStreet Philippines noted that based on the online platform’s data, there are 200,000 jobs available in the field of IT.

“The challenge is that we lack the people,” Gioca said. “Those who finished tech-related courses are working for principals abroad despite living in the Philippines. Many companies are fighting tooth and nail for IT talents. Some are trying to scrape the barrel in terms of these kinds of talents.”

In the latest JobStreet Salary Report (Read here), IT and telco industries offer pay increases to applicants.

Among the courses that will be offered for IT include data analytics, software development, and network and cybersecurity. Specializations in the Business Administration major include marketing management, operations management, and human resource management. The Business Administration degree is offered by MMDC through the Commission on Higher Education’s memorandum on the implementation of flexible learning.

In addition to theoretical learning, MMDC designed a curriculum for the real world to help students develop essential skills outside of their profession.

MMDC also said that it can provide each student their own laptop and pocket Wi-Fi, as well as access to the Learning Hub and Student Services to assist with all their connectivity needs.

MMDC’s required class meeting times clock in at approximately 7.5 hours a week of synchronous learning, made available with both early and late day schedules. This gives students more control of their time and allows them to balance academics, hobbies, family life, and social life. This set-up also allows flexibility for the working adult who wants to complete their college degree.

MMDC will start reservations on March 1, 2022.