1st global education center in PH opens in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Brigham Young University (BYU)-Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education institution opened its first Global Education Center in the Philippines in Cebu City located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cebu Temple Complex on February 8 led by its BYU-Pathway Worldwide president, Brian Ashton with the country’s Church elders and officials.

"We are excited to celebrate this historic moment with the community of Cebu City as we open BYU-Pathway's first Global Education Center in the Philippines," Ashton said in his opening message.

This new center is the first of its kind in the Philippines to offer a campus-style environment to students enrolled in BYU-Pathway.  Inside the center, students will have access to hands-on training, remote workstations, interview practice rooms, career preparation resources, English language classes, and collaborative study spaces, Ashton bared.

He said that this center is more than just a space; it's a place that will empower students to accomplish their academic, career, and personal goals, while bringing them closer to Jesus Christ and making them better members of their communities.

Through partnership with accredited universities in the United States, BYU-Idaho and Ensign College, BYU-Pathway provides access to online bachelor's degrees that can be completed in just three years, significantly reducing the cost and time required.

BYU-Pathway is open to all individuals, regardless of religious background and to learn more about enrolling and available online programs, visit byupathway.edu., Ashton said.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia celebrated the establishment of the BYU-Pathway Community Resource Center in Cebu City highlighting its significance in providing educational opportunities and empowering the youth.

“I’m proud of this initiative with the Church’s compassionate efforts in supporting the community, including donations during natural disasters.  We, in government acknowledge the limitations of government resources and the need for private sector support. The center is seen as a beacon of hope, fostering learning, growth, and success,” Garcia said, in his keynote message.

The Mayor extended his gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for their contributions to the city's spiritual and community development. He mentioned the church's consistent hosting of impactful events focused on music, arts, and culture, which the Garcia family regularly attends and supports.

The BYU-Pathway Global Education Center in Cebu City

According to Jonee Briones, BYU Pathway Worldwide, International Area Manager, the Global Education Center's offerings in Cebu, Philippines includes seven degrees and 29 certificates, all available online with optional hands-on facilities. Students can set their own pace, typically completing a bachelor's degree in just under three years by taking two courses per term.

 

Seven religious courses are mandatory and plans to expand to other regions in the Philippines are pending for board approval.  Scholarships include 25 percent for return missionaries and up to 50 percent through the Heber J. Grant program.

Future facilities are planned, with an estimated timeline of at least two years and technical partnerships with educational authorities are also in progress, Briones said.  “We are exploring partnership opportunities with TESDA to offer technical and vocational programs and we are still looking at updates on the timeline for building a permanent campus here,” Briones added.

The Church board has only approved one facility in the Philippines, with hopes for more approvals in the future.  Briones said that this first center was established in areas with the highest concentration of members and potential students.

Jairus Perez, Global Education Center Cebu Manager said that the center offers flexibility to over 4000 students in the Philippines, allowing them to study either at the Global Education Center or from home with seven degrees and 29 certificates available, all offered online with additional facilities for hands-on experience.

“Our students can choose how many courses to take per term, with most taking two courses per term, finishing a bachelor's degree in just under three years,” Perez said.

Brian Ashton, BYU Pathway Worldwide president mentioned that the resource center has an educational program offering similar to U.S.-standard courses remotely, with degrees and certificates comparable to on-campus studies that includes seven courses and various bachelor's degrees in fields like business, health communication, and Information Technology.

According to Ashton the center also addresses the challenge of English proficiency with the English Connect Program, which has three levels to help students improve.  The program is open to all, including non-members and is available to as young as 10 years old.

English proficiency is important in job markets like the Philippines and Singapore, where technical skills alone are insufficient.  English Connect Program will help students meet the communication requirements of businesses and this program is free and open to both members and non-members, with advanced levels available for those who need more practice, Ashton noted.

The panelists at the press conference also discussed partnerships with local industries and remote job opportunities to ensure that graduates are qualified to meet industry needs.  They   expressed the hope to continue collaborating with industries, businesses, and government to bridge the gap between education and employment.

“We will continue our relationship with the industry, the business, and the government to bridge the gap between graduates' qualifications and the needs of employers.   BYU offers remote job opportunities for students, with nearly 10,000 students working remotely for companies in the U.S., Europe, and Australia,” Ashton said.

These remote jobs allow students to work from home while gaining international work experience.  The initiative aims to bridge industry gaps by partnering with local businesses and offering remote job opportunities, with nearly 10,000 students now securing remote work globally, Ashton concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)