MSU–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Philippines, is a Regional Academy (RA) partner of Cisco in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software. As an RA, MSU-IIT functions as a training and support center for local academies and maintains the instructional and program quality standards set by Cisco and the CATCs; recruits and provides support to local academies; delivers training to instructors to local academies and provides ongoing and timely support. The primary target of MSU-IIT as local academies are all campuses under MSU System, namely: MSU Marawi, MSU Iligan, MSU Naawan, MSU Gensan, MSU Tawi-tawi, MSU Buug, MSU Maigo, MSU Maguindanao, MSU Sulu, MSU LNAC, MSU LNCAT, and MSU Lopez Jaena.

On June 3-13, 2009, IT specialists from various schools under the MSU System convened for a Trainers' Training Course on Cisco Certified Academy Instructor for IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Training, at the Computer Laboratory of the School of Computer Studies (SCS). Spearheaded by the Department of Electronics Engineering Technology (ESET), under the dynamism of Dean Jeremy V. Pinzon, the training aimed at upgrading the participants' working knowledge on computers; testing their skills on how to assemble computers; troubleshooting hardware and software, and taking CompTIA A+ Certification Exams.

Under the able and enthusiastic trainers, namely: Mr. Ranie Boy B. Agad and Engr. Roy Alan L. Pamitalan, the training combined lecture, hands-on, and online examinations which armed the participants with enhanced skills on the latest trends in Information and Communication Technology. Likewise, this course is aligned with the objectives of the first three modules of the EUCIP IT Administrator certifications: Module 1 PC Hardware, Module 2 Operating Systems, and Module 3 Local Area Networks and Network Services.

There were 23 partipants who successfully made it to the 2-week of gruelling training; 14 were from MSU-IIT, 3 from MSU-Marawi, 2 from MSU-LNAC, 1 from Camansi NHS-Davao City, 1 from MSU-Naawan, 1 from MSU Maguindanao, and 1 from MSU-Baloi. The participants were able to assemble and disassemble computer hardware, install the operating system, install and configure the network, and troubleshoot computer hardware and software. Also they successfully passed series of everyday online examinations of Cisco.

When queried on how they felt about the training, the participants readily commented that they enjoyed the training and many responded that the training was overwhelming, rigid but worthwhile. As Ms. Llavern Elcana of MSU-Marawi, put it, “the training is exhilirating and exuberating experience... the new EEE.” It is hoped that participants can share their additional knowledge and acquired skills with their colleagues when they go back to their respective institution.

Prof. Ermesto Empig, Chairperson of the ESET Department and Coordinator of the said training, hoped that there should be more trainings similar to this undertaking in order to keep instructors and enthusiasts in the IT field abreast with the current trends to become 21st century mentors in their respective Institution.

See also MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology