Two new academies under supervision of University of Cebu

MANILA, Philippines, 12 February 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc. has expanded the presence of its prestigious Cisco Networking Academy Program in the south with the recent appointment of two new Local Academies - Syntacs Computer College in Tacloban, Leyte and Cagayan Capitol College in Mindanao.

In Tacloban, Leyte, students of Syntacs Computer College will now have the opportunity to harness the power of the Internet and enhance their networking skills under the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum. Syntacs Computer College will be under the supervision of the University of Cebu, a Regional Academy.

Edwin G. Manalastas, president of Syntacs Computer College said that the program will be incorporated into the school's curriculum of IT course offerings to give its students the competitive edge in the global IT field. Already, around 100 students have expressed interest in joining the program.

"The school is also arranging schedules for IT professionals who would like to expand their credibility further with networking skills. This is part of Syntacs's commitment to the IT industry," said Manalastas..

He added that the fast-paced development in Information Technology has caused a revolution that affects the different professional fields including the education field. "Modern technology has proved to be promising and reliable. This will definitely have an immense impact on the way the students learn and work," he said.

Noel Rivera, country manager of Cisco Systems Philippines, is pleased with the program's remarkable growth in the country. "This we owe to the various academic institutions that have embraced the Internet as the primary tool for education. Their enthusiastic acceptance for the Cisco Networking Academy program shows that we are making a significant contribution in a much needed area," said Rivera.

To ensure the full and effective implementation of the program within the school, Syntacs has placed its instructors under the instructor-training program to make them eligible to deliver the Networking Academy curriculum as Cisco Certified Academy Instructors.

Syntacs is currently completing its Networking Laboratory to provide the venue for the students' online learning and skills development.

In Mindanao, the Cagayan Capitol College has also become a Local Academy and will be supervised by the University of Cebu.

The program at Cagayan Capitol College, implemented in August last year, has already drawn 36 students and the school is optimistic that the number of enrollees will more than double this year.

Atty. Casimiro Juarez, president of Cagayan Capitol College said that the objectives of the Cisco networking program are very much in line with the school's own vision of producing graduates of world-class standards. "Cisco is well known as a being a networking leader and its technologies and solutions are used by leading companies around the world. By passing on Cisco's knowledge to our students, we are providing them with the opportunity to be among the world's best," said Juarez.

Atty. Juarez also foresees that the increasing number of IT-skilled professionals will likewise act as a magnet for foreign companies to invest in the country. "Incorporating the Cisco Networking Academy Program in our school can lead to more job opportunities for our countrymen."

The success of the Cisco Networking Academy program is attracting not only students but also those already in the workforce. A 55-year-old manager of a local company has even signed up to go through the program. "The Internet levels the playing field for everyone and no one is too old to learn the tricks of the Internet trade," said Cisco's Rivera. "The flexibility of the Cisco Networking Academy Program is providing everyone with the opportunity to join the Internet Revolution."

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.

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