The Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) and the World Citi Colleges (WCC) have joined forces with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to create a groundbreaking program aimed at producing highly skilled Filipino aircraft maintenance specialists and avionics technicians. This collaboration was officially launched through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by PhilSCA President Marwin Dela Cruz, WCC President Patrick Guico, and BCIT President Paul McCollough during the British Columbia Council International Education Week 2023 Conference in Victoria, BC, Canada.
This joint program, known as the “Twinning and Training Program for a Ladderized Diploma Program in Aircraft Maintenance Technology,” is a result of the initiative led by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive curriculum that leads to a Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft Technology, aligning with the national focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. By partnering with BCIT, PhilSCA, and WCC aim to enhance the competencies of their graduates and create a globally benchmarked curriculum and pedagogy.
One of the key highlights of this collaboration is the involvement of the Philippine Air Force, which will provide its facilities to both academic institutions and participate in the training programs at BCIT’s sprawling campus in Vancouver, Canada. This partnership will also enable PhilSCA and WCC to recruit talented students from the Philippines for BCIT’s AME Diploma Program, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The program will be jointly delivered by PhilSCA and BCIT, allowing students to complete their studies in both the Philippines and Canada. Upon graduation, these students will possess both Philippine and Canadian credentials, providing them with a competitive edge in the airline industry not only in the Philippines but also in the Asian region.
The ceremonial signing of the MOA was witnessed by CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera and DFA Consul General in Vancouver Arlene Magno. Chairman De Vera, in his presentation on internationalization and transnational opportunities in the Philippines, emphasized the importance of collaborations like this in producing world-class graduates who can practice their profession globally. He also expressed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships with countries like Canada, promoting the internationalization of higher education institutions, and welcoming opportunities for transnational education.
Both WCC President Patrick Guico and PhilSCA President Marwin Dela Cruz expressed their gratitude to CHED and BCIT for making this milestone a reality. President Guico highlighted the significance of this partnership in elevating the Philippines as Asia’s choice for aircraft maintenance, while President Dela Cruz acknowledged the unwavering support from the PhilSCA Board of Trustees, the PhilSCA Management Team, and the PhilSCA-BCIT Project Team.
BCIT Aerospace Technology campus, located in Richmond, BC, is Canada’s largest aerospace technology school and serves as a vital resource for the aviation industry in British Columbia. On the other hand, WCC is a private post-secondary network with campuses in Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Quezon City, Caloocan, and Pangasinan, offering programs in various fields, including aviation. PhilSCA, as a state college, is mandated to provide education in aeronautical sciences and related fields, and it also provides training to the Philippine Air Force.
This partnership between PhilSCA, WCC, and BCIT marks a significant step forward in the development of the aviation industry in the Philippines. By combining their expertise and resources, these institutions are paving the way for the creation of world-class Filipino aircraft maintenance specialists and avionics technicians, contributing to the growth and success of the industry both domestically and internationally.
Source: https://ched.gov.ph/
