MANILA, Philippines - 27 February 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, has appointed the Computer Arts Technological (CAT) College as its first Cisco Networking Academy in Albay, Legazpi City. The College joins a fast growing list of prestigious schools, in the Philippines and around the world, to offer the Cisco Networking Academy Program curriculum.
"Our vision is to be at the forefront of high-quality IT education in the country, " said Reynaldo A. Belleza, President CAT College. "Being a Cisco Networking Academy supports our goal of providing world-class information technology education as well as world-class professional services that meets the demands of today's competitive workplace."
Belleza added that Cisco's partnership with the Computer Arts Technological College brings to the students of Albay global standards of IT education. It will provide them with knowledge and skills in today's competitive environment and place graduates in a truly unique position to contribute to the economic development of the region and the country.
The school began offering the Networking Academy curriculum in June 2001 to selected students, and targets to have an enrollment of about 80 students per class once the program is opened up to all its students. Plans are under way to also offer the program as a short course during the summer. CAT will be integrating the program to all of its nine degree and five non-degree courses to enrich the curricula. A diploma will be issued to the students upon completion of the course.
"Our global competitiveness can only be enhanced if we advocate and continue to raise the standards of information technology education," said Noel Rivera, country manager of Cisco Systems Philippines. "With the Cisco Networking Academy Program penetrating more remote cities in the country, we hope to provide more students access to high-quality networking education to better equip them with the right tools and skill-sets when they join the workforce."
CAT College will be supervised by the Ateneo de Naga University, a Regional Cisco Networking Academy.
CAT College aims to establish linkages with organizations that are at the forefront of technology to upgrade the quality of teaching skills of faculty and staff. Such connections will also open opportunities for research and resources as well as increase the diversity of the college curriculum.
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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