With the advancement of internationalization initiatives and the growing demand for technical-vocational courses, Cebu Normal University engaged in meaningful discussions with the Times Education Group Australia (Times Education), a multinational education provider that focuses on advanced educational concepts for training, resource development, project planning, and promotion.
On this two-day travel mission to Manila, CNU met with Times Education’s Board of Governors and Executive Team to review the various elements of the partnership and formulating action points for joint endeavors, as well as participated in the Internationalization of Education in a Post-Pandemic World Forum hosted by Times Education.

In the leadership forum on May 3, which features the Times Education Brand Ambassador and former Senator Hon. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and distinguished guests from the Australian Embassy, University of Notre Dame Australia, and Central Queen University Australia, it was discussed that Australia has critical labor shortages. As the country has strong human capital, CNU deemed it imperative to respond to the former’s challenges by offering skill-based programs and producing employment-ready graduates.

By offering technical-vocational courses, the program will provide more opportunities for internships and employment opportunities abroad.

Aside from the aforementioned goals, credit equivalency of all degree programs is also being looked into, ensuring that specific courses or subjects already taken at the university are recognized and deemed equivalent to those courses offered by Australian universities.

To strengthen the partnership, CNU also aims for a tripartite agreement with Times Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ensuring that the curriculum and target skills are strategic, responsive, and aligned with international standards. This collaboration is in line with its mission to produce skilled graduates who will thrive in the job market.

The forum saw the participation of the Times Education CEO Mr. Charles Shiao, Usec. Atty. Michael Poa of the Department of Education, and Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Chief Legal Officer of EDCOMII. CNU was represented by President Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Internationalization (VP-AAI) Dr. Allan Roy Elnar, Dr. Genara Pacaña, Officer-in-Charge of the Tech/Voc National/Certification (NC) Training and Assessment Center, and Ms. Marjorie Sta. Teresa, Director for Extension Services.

Onwards and upwards, Crimson and Gold!