How do you prepare Filipino people for jobs in the global economy and reduce conflict in the Mindanao region? Our volunteer with Cisco Networking Academy, Roy Lopez Pamitalan, thinks he has one answer.
Since 2005, Pamitalan has worked as the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) IT Specialist in the Mindanao areas of the Philippines, with particular focus in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and Conflict-Affected Areas of Mindanao. Through his work with the Cisco Networking Academy, his goal is to engage the academic community into a new working culture to bridge the digital divide. He believes the cycle of conflict in Mindanao can be interrupted if people have alternative futures through opportunities to engage in the global workforce.
An engineer by profession, Pamitalan’s work forms part of the Cisco Networking Academy program in partnership with the Mindanao State University—Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan Computer Institute, and other partner organizations Pamitalan has brought into the effort, including Rotary Club of Iligan Bay. The program promotes digital opportunities, encourages female inclusion in the IT education and industry, and contributes to the economic development of Mindanao.
Pamitalan has traveled in the region extensively to reach out to public schools and other educational institutions to deliver IT training. His travel in conflict-affected areas with security concerns shows his commitment to his cause. “Enhanced IT skills for students from less privileged families living in conflicted-affected areas will open new opportunities to improve their future life situation. Over time employment opportunities in industries improve locally and internationally and students form Mindanao become advocates of peace as an option to the conflict,” says Pamitalan.
Professor Ernesto Empig, Department Chairperson of the MSU-IIT’s Department of Electronics Engineering and a coordinator of the Networking Academy’s IT Essentials Training, echoes Pamitalan, “The economic development of a nation depends largely on the quality of acquired education. Through the Cisco Networking Academy program, we strive to excel IT education in the region and create an environment that is conducive to peace.”
The UNV and Cisco, the world’s largest network technology company whose products are designed to transform the way all people connect, communicate and collaborate, have worked in partnership since 2000 to improve IT training opportunities for underserved populations worldwide. To date, Cisco has sponsored more than 110 UNV volunteers in 40 countries.
“The Cisco Networking Academy program demonstrates a collaborative approach and commitment by local communities to address the digital divide and how collectively we can uphold peace-building processes in Mindanao,” says Jacqui Badcock, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which administers the UNV programme.
The potential of this program to improve the lives of people in Mindanao and promote stability in the region has not been lost on other movers and shakers in the community. Dr Emmanuel M. Lagare, Vice President of Academic Affairs in the MSU system, is planning to replicate the program in MSU’s other campuses in Mindanao. “The Cisco Networking Academy program has broadened employment opportunities for the students and helped us to design and develop a non-degree curricular program in the MSU system. This program will equip participants with marketable IT skills in today’s demanding job market,” he says.
Ladislao Tabanao has also integrated the Cisco Networking Academy program in his regular courses at the IIigan Computer Institute to better serve marginalized people.” As well as building students capabilities in essential computer skills this program gives students insights and experience into real situations within large companies,” says Tabanao who won the Entrepreneur Award in this year’s Search for The Outstanding MSU-IIT Alumni (TOMA). “The Cisco Networking Academy program complements TESDA’s (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) existing Technical and Vocational Education and Training and gives successful students the competencies to compete in the global IT market.”
MSU-IIT remains steadfast in pursuing developments in the IT infrastructure not only for instructors but also for other individuals who will benefit from the program. Professor Jeremy Pinzon, Dean of MSU-IIT School of Computer Studies, reflects about Cisco, “Cisco is synonymous with reliable IT Essentials; we are confident of advocating ICT competencies, knowing that we are using quality-assured training materials and equipment as well as having quality trainers.”
The UNV programme is inspired by the conviction that volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and by the idea that everyone can contribute their time and energy towards peace and development.
With its partners, UNV advocates for volunteerism, integrates volunteerism into development planning and mobilizes volunteers. The enormous potential of volunteerism is an inspiration to UNV and to volunteers around the world. Delivering on that potential is UNV’s mission.
Photo: Roy Lopez Pamitalan (center) with the Cisco Networking Academy students
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Written by Venus Parmisana and Hiroyuki Takita
Edited by Johan Lalor
For more information, contact:
Hiroyuki Takita (Mr.), UNV Programme Officer
Tel: (02) 889-7550
Email: hiroyuki.takita@undp.org
