UC offers int’l internship, high-paying careers for its tourism students in Taiwan

CEBU CITY – The University of Cebu (UC) has finalized its international internship program in partnership with Dreamark TW, an organization that connects schools and partner hotels for tourism students to train in Taiwan’s hospitality industry, offering not only global exposure but also a promise of competitive earnings and long-term employment opportunities.

UC chairman Atty. Augusto Go told Manila Standard that the initiative builds on the university’s long-standing efforts to bring students beyond local training.   With 300 initial slots set for rollout, the program gives hope to UC’s around 800 graduating students in hospitality and tourism-related courses, some of whom may soon find themselves working in luxury hotels just a few hours away from home,

“This is not the first time we’ve sent students abroad,” Go said, citing previous programs in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia. “But Taiwan is even more practical. It is only two to three hours away, and parents can easily visit,” he noted.

That proximity makes overseas training more accessible, not just financially but emotionally, especially for families who want to stay connected while their children gain international experience, Go added.

                                      UC, Dreamark TW internship program

According to Dreamark TW legal counsel, Christopher San Pedro, the partnership allows students to undergo on-the-job training (OJT) in Taiwan for six months to one year, placing them in real-world hospitality environments, from front office operations to food and beverage services, in established hotels across key tourism destinations.

For students currently enrolled in UC’s TESDA-sponsored diploma programs, the opportunity is even more compelling: a direct pathway from free education to international experience, even a potentially stable, well-paying career, Go said.

San Pedro bared that more than the travel and exposure, what would excite many students is the earning potential. Participants in the program may receive a monthly allowance of around NT$29,500, equivalent to at least ₱50,000.

San Pedro added, about NT$5,000 will be deducted for accommodation. Some partner hotels may also provide meals and overtime pay, further increasing take-home income.  For many students, especially those from modest backgrounds, this transforms the internship from a requirement into a life-changing opportunity.

“Filipino students are highly regarded.  They are proficient in English and naturally service-oriented, which are qualities that hotels value. We connect students and schools with partner hotels to provide quality international internships that are now more accessible,” San Pedro said.

San Pedro noted that interns who perform well have a strong chance of being absorbed by their host companies after completing their OJT. A student who begins as an intern could transition into a full-time employee, he pointed out and demand for Filipino hospitality workers in Taiwan remains high, driven by their strong communication skills, facility with English and service-oriented mindset.

This is not just training. Students can actually earn while learning, Go said, expressing optimism about the program’s impact.  Applicants will undergo online interviews with prospective employers prior to deployment to ensure alignment between the student’s skills and the hotel’s requirements.

According to San Pedro, Dreamark TW has already deployed 272 Filipino interns to Taiwan, with hundreds more lined up for future batches through partnerships with institutions in Luzon.  With UC now joining the network, the program is expected to scale significantly, with long-term projections reaching up to 10,000 student beneficiaries in the next few years, San Pedro noted.

The initial batches, however, will begin modestly, targeting 300 to 400 students, allowing both UC and Dreamark TW to ensure quality training and proper support systems, San Pedro said.

For UC students, especially those in the TESDA-funded diploma programs, the timing could not be more aligned.  The scholars, many of whom were previously unable to afford college, are now receiving free education, allowances, and training, and may soon step into international internships that offer both experience and income, Go stated.

Go added that before deployment, the university will conduct on-site inspections and validations of partner facilities to ensure that training environments meet standards of safety, legitimacy, and quality.  “We will make sure that our students are placed in secure and credible establishments,” Go said.

Across UC’s five major campuses -- UC Main, Banilad, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), METC Mambaling, and South (Pardo-Talisay), there are currently about 4,000 students enrolled in hospitality-related programs.  For these students, Taiwan is not just a destination but a promise that after years of study, sacrifice, and perseverance, something better is waiting, Go noted. (Photos: UC/Google Images)

 

 

 

DBP, University of Cebu seal scholarship program

CEBU CITY – Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the University of Cebu (UC) formally sealed out and launched the Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (INSPIRE) with the awarding and briefing of the first batch for 40 deserving beneficiaries with a contract signing on February 19 at the AVR of Alicia Gotianuy Bldg.at the UC main campus in Cebu City.

These 40 scholars are now assured of completing their college education, free from the burden of tuition and sustained by a monthly allowance.  The partnership marks the first time DBP has collaborated with a private university for the INSPIRE program. The grant is retroactive to the first semester of Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026.

DBP first vice president and corporate department head, Zandro Carlos Sison said that another set of 40 scholars will be admitted next academic year, and every year thereafter, forming part of five batches until 2029. DBP allocated some P8 million for the first batch alone at UC, drawn from DBP’s nationwide INSPIRE fund of about P510 million.  UC is one of 10 partner schools across the country, he added.

The 40 scholars, selected by UC through a rigorous screening and evaluation process, come from low-income families with an annual net income of ₱150,000 or below, shared Dr. Leonilo Oliva, scholarship head.

 “For private school scholars, DBP covers both tuition and monthly allowance. What sets INSPIRE apart is that we continue to support scholars until they take their board examinations, if their course requires one. Each batch is supported for four to five years, depending on the degree program,” Sison told the press in a media interaction after the signing.

Sison emphasized that while DBP encourages scholars to finish their degrees, there is no obligation to repay the bank after graduation. “There is no payback requirement. Our goal is to expand access to quality education.  If, in the future, some of them choose to serve in DBP through internships or employment, that would be welcome, but it is not mandatory. We are investing in people, not binding them,” Sison clarified.

Scholars may also be given opportunities for on-the-job training with DBP and could be considered for employment after graduation, subject to agency needs.

According to DBP SVP Helbert Antoine Achay, DBP branch banking group head for Central and Eastern Visayas, the scholars are required only to maintain passing grades to continue enjoying the benefits.  To qualify, applicants must be first- or second-year students, Filipino citizens of good moral character, with a general weighted average of at least 85 percent (2.0) and no grade lower than 80 percent (2.5).

They must not be recipients of any other scholarship and must meet UC admission requirements, disclosed Oliva. The INSPIRE program covers full tuition for selected four-year baccalaureate courses, provides a monthly allowance, and extends support even through board examinations for programs that require licensure.

While INSPIRE covers two baccalaureate tracks -- Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Real Estate programs, the UC launched opened discussions for BS in Computer Science (CS), major in Artificial Intelligence (AI), during DBP’s courtesy call on Atty. Go, the UC chair.

“As we build engineers and real estate professionals, we must also build digital innovators,” Atty. Go noted that AI is shaping industries worldwide and hoped DBP will consider supporting CS majors who specialize in developing AI-driven applications, not merely using applied AI, but the programming and systems behind it. (Photos: UC Lakandiwa Publications)

UC opens 2,645 scholarships with TESDA’s PQF diploma program

CEBU—The University of Cebu (UC) launched its 3-year diploma courses in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management with 2,645 scholarships open for youth who could not afford college through a fully funded scholarship program, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that piloted its Philippine Qualification Framework (PQF) Level 5 Diploma Programs on December 2, 2025 in Cebu.

 

TESDA-UC sealed the partnership on December 5, 2025 in a press conference at UC-Main with UC Chairman, Atty. Augusto Go, known for his lifelong advocacy of accessible education, announced with a personal appeal, “There are so many who cannot afford to go to college. Let’s help them. This is money well-spent.”

TESDA prioritized these two courses as these industries demand high for educated employees, locally and abroad, Go said that his mission has always been to extend UC’s reach to the poorest sectors, to those unable to pay even the smallest tuition, much less buy books or travel daily to a university campus.

Under the scholarship package, TESDA shoulders the tuition fees, textbooks and instructional materials, National competency assessments (NC II to NC IV); school and workshop uniforms; accident insurance and ₱9,000 cash allowance per semester.

Each scholar is subsidized ₱45,000 per semester, roughly ₱100,000 per year, totaling about ₱270,000 per student, noted a TESDA circular that implements Republic Act 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).

“The government provides personal allowance, book allowance, everything is free, nearly ₱100,000 per student per year,” Go emphasized, assuring the programs is backed by state-of-the-art facilities.

Go bared that only UC is carrying the TESDA program in Cebu or in the region as yet. Enrolment is ongoing until December 29, even when classes officially begin December 15, 2025 as TESDA mandated. Applicants may continue submitting until the end of December but Go urged immediate action due to the tight timeline.

“This program is time-bound. If the slots are not filled, the funds will be returned to the National Government.  Please take advantage of it and help us spread the word,” he said.

UC revealed that on a day from launch, 296 had enrolled, still far short of the 2,645 available scholarships. While the Cebu City Government helps disseminate information to potential beneficiaries, Go clarified that slots are open to all Cebuanos and even residents outside Cebu.

Scholarships are open to all, documents needed to enroll

Go said that the scholarship is open to all, no age limit and no long checklist.  Applicants need to submit: Form 137 or 138; PSA Birth Certificate; Certificate of Good Moral Character; and Honorable Dismissal, if previously enrolled in college.

Alternative Learning System (ALS) passers and pre-K-12 high school graduates are also welcome, disclosed Dr. Dennis Samar, UC director for technical education.  While the courses will initially be offered at the UC Maritime Education and Training Center (METC), Go ordered his lead educators to expand to UC’s campuses at Jones (Osmeña Blvd., across SSS), Banilad, and Lapu-Lapu Mandaue (UCLM).  This is to lessen transportation burden for scholars coming from different areas.

“We will open all our campuses. We will take care of them. If you have the will to study, UC will help you graduate,” Go said and pointed out that each scholar will have their own Landbank ATM card, where TESDA will deposit the funds directly to prevent mishandling, as he guaranteed financial integrity.

Beyond tourism programs, UC and TESDA are exploring Artificial Intelligence courses across UC campuses and potential global training opportunities in Taiwan, a partnership that goes beyond short-term employment goals.

With most families tightening budgets and some students already giving up on school, the timing of this program feels like a gift, noted Go. “Imagine earning a diploma after three years, all for free. “This is the best Christmas gift we can give to our youth,” he added. (Photos: UC/Cerwin Eviota)

 

 

Sleep Health and Wellness Center opens at UC-Med in Cebu

CEBU – A Sleep Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) opened at Room 1206, 12^th Floor, University of Cebu-Medical Center (UCMed) in Mandaue City, with Atty. Augusto Go, UCMed Chairman, Dr. Armando Tan, Medical Director and Dr. Merci Angelie Letegio Uy, Head Pulmonologist, UCMed Sleep Health and Wellness Center leading the blessings and ribbon cutting ceremonies Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Dr. Armando Tan highlighted the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and the prevalence of sleep disorders in the Philippines, noting it ranks third globally in countries with worst sleep habits, with an average sleep duration of 6.13 hours per night, according to a study by Onebed.

Dr. Tan and Dr. Uy mentioned the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, and the use of CPAP machines for treatment, the impact of weight on sleep, and the role of diet in sleep health.

“Sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring are some significant issues, with snoring being a potential sign of obstructed airways.  The availability of pediatric pulmonologists and the importance of addressing sleep disorders early to prevent long-term health complications are equally part of Sleep Health and Wellness Center’s engagement services,” Dr. Uy said.

The Center provides sleep diagnosis, recommendations on foods and dietary habits that can improve sleep quality; explore the possibility of offering 24-hour sleep monitoring services for patients; ensure the availability of personnel to provide after-sales care and guidance on the use of CPAP machines and develop screening tools to help doctors identify patients who may benefit from a sleep study, Dr. Uy shared on the services of the center.

Prevalence of sleep disorders and their impact in daily lives

 Based on the study by Onebed, 56% of Filipinos experience sleep problems, making them the most sleepless people in Southeast Asia and 46% of Southeast Asians face sleep problems at least a few times a week. The most common sleep problems include--difficulty falling asleep at 49%; waking up often at night, 39% and irregular sleep and wake cycle, 38 percent.

Vulnerable groups of sleep disorders include medical students and residents report chronic partial loss of sleep and women factory workers are 32% more likely to experience mental health symptoms due to sleep problems.

 

Contractual workers or temporary workers are 2.33 times more likely to have frequent mental health symptoms, decreased sleep hours, poor sleep quality, and other health issues.

“These statistics highlight the need for awareness and action to address sleep disorders in the Philippines,” Dr. Tan said.

Dr. Uy explained the significance of having a Sleep Lab and its role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and even snoring, which can lead to serious health issues like hypertension and cardiac disease.

Sleep disorders and their impact on daily activities, leading to headaches, sleepiness, and even accidents, such as falling asleep while driving. Loud snoring can indicate obstructed airways, leading to oxygen drop and potential heart and brain issues, Dr. Uy said.

“It is very important to address sleep disorders early, especially in children, to prevent long-term health complications. Some patients can stop breathing for up to three minutes, leading to severe health risks like heart attacks and strokes,” the doctors explained.

The Sleep Health and Wellness Center, sleep lab and the use of CPAP machines are important tools for monitoring and treating sleep disorders, Dr. Tan said that the Center can provide prescriptions for machines and after-sales care to ensure proper use and maintenance.

The doctors at the Center underscored the need for a holistic approach to sleep health, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions and the need for comprehensive sleep studies to identify and treat various sleep disorders. (Photos: MBCNewman)