Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Special Feature: iACADEMY Cebu: The hub, the future of digital creative transformation in PH

CEBU CITY—The rapid growth of the digital technology and the emerging creative culture and the arts industry in Cebu as well as its geographic location, create a demand for highly specialized education and courses for skilled content creators and industry-ready professionals to lead and nurture the next generation of innovators, blending creativity and technology to meet global demands. 


“iACADEMY Cebu is it!  We provide a global standard of education at iACADEMY Cebu, ensuring our students are not only industry-ready but also globally adaptable in their fields.  The Academy integrates global standards into its curriculum, ensuring that students acquire essential skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication,” Mitch Andaya, Vice President for Academic Affairs and College Dean told some members of the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC), in an exclusive interview.

Andaya shared that through collaborations with global tech and creative companies, the institution not only enriches its educational offerings but also directly influences Cebu’s workforce dynamics, preparing graduates to excel in a globalized job market.

iACADEMY Cebu is located at the Filinvest Cebu Cyber Tower 2, Salinas Drive corner W. Geonzon St., Brgy. Apas, Lahug, Cebu City occupying 1,500 square meters of space that can accommodate up to 500 students.  The school has grown to 235 students from about 20 when it opened here in 2023 and now employs 18 practicing professionals as faculty members, ensuring that teaching is based on real-world experience rather than textbooks, Andaya bared.

“iACADEMY main campus started in Makati in 2002 while the Cebu branch has been operational for about two years now and yet, we are growing exponentially because we believe we are at the forefront of the digital transformation in the region.  Our school fosters leaders who blend artistry with technological prowess to drive future industries forward,” Andaya added.

The institution is more than ready to establish Cebu as a top choice for graduates who are prepared for the industry, making sure that its former students help enhance the city's image as a center for innovation, business, and digital success, he noted.

What makes iACADEMY Cebu top of the digital heap?

iACADEMY Cebu is already making waves in the education sector by offering specialized programs that align with the evolving needs of the workforce. With an impressive 96 percent job placement rate for its graduates, the institution stands out as a premier choice for students aspiring to excel in technology, design, and business, Andaya revealed.


In a quick tour of the facility, meeting and chatting with some of the students, this writer noted the uniqueness and diverse quality and ambiance of the school.  Andaya bared that the school offers diverse programs designed to equip students with the skills required by today’s dynamic industries.

Its popular programs include Animation, Multimedia Arts and Design, Software Engineering, Game Development, and Real Estate Management. These fields are in high demand, and iACADEMY ensures that students receive top-tier education to prepare them for competitive careers.

The school also takes pride in providing an unparalleled learning environment with high-tech laboratories that rival those of professional studios. The campus features cutting-edge amenities, including a Cintiq room, a lightbox room, a green room, multimedia and computer laboratories, and a modern student lounge.


Animation students, for example, work with advanced drawing tablets similar to those used by professionals at Disney and Pixar.  Additionally, each student has access to an EBSCO account, providing a wealth of over 250,000 e-books to support their learning.

iACADEMY also goes beyond the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), offering an additional 500 to 600 hours of training to ensure students exceed industry expectations, Andaya said.

“We were offering programs that were not available in traditional universities. In Makati, we were the first to offer a software engineering program, and now, in Cebu, we continue our mission of being a catalyst for innovative education,” Andaya said.

iACADEMY Cebu facilitates global internships and specialized programs that empower students to gain invaluable international experience and broaden their horizons. With a strong focus on producing globally competitive graduates, the institution equips students with the skills and insights needed to excel in diverse environments.

The success stories of the school’s alumni—who have made significant impacts in various fields are a testament to iACADEMY Cebu’s commitment to fostering talent that can thrive on a global stage, making a meaningful contribution to the international community.

Spyke Matthew Lim and Edwell John Cotejar, both in their second year of Software Engineering, attest to iACADEMY’s supportive learning environment. They praise the institution for its hands-on approach, flexible learning schedules, and the invaluable insights shared by their professors.

With tuition fees ranging from PHP 70,000 to PHP 85,000 per term, iACADEMY Cebu provides an investment in quality education that translates into high employability and career success.

As iACADEMY Cebu continues its upward trajectory, the institution remains committed to shaping future game changers—students who will redefine industries with their skills, creativity, and innovation and prepares future leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Cebu and beyond. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

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