News Release

CIE Deploys Internationally Recognised ICT Curriculum from Cisco Systems to Public High Schools and State Colleges Nationwide

MANILA, Philippines - February 10, 2005 - The Centre for
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Feb 10, 2005

MANILA, Philippines - February 10, 2005 - The Centre for International Education (CIE), a Cebu-based learning institution, will offer the Cisco® Networking Academy® Program HP IT Essentials curriculum and Java Programming curriculum to public high schools and state colleges. CIE is a Regional Academy under the Cisco Networking Academy Program, which uses technologies associated with networking and the Internet to impart skills for how to plan, build and deploy those same networks to students.

"The Networking Academy Program was introduced to the country to contribute to the government's goal of creating a highly skilled workforce that will provide the foundation of the Philippine's ability to compete in the global economy. The CIE's delivery of the HP IT Essentials and Java curricula is an important step because it broadens the scope of the Networking Academy Program beyond networking technologies," said Luichi Robles, country manager, Cisco Systems® Philippines.

CIE is calling the project "Essential ICT Skills" and has gained nationwide support from the Pearl Principle National Movement. CIE started training its teachers to deliver the new curriculum from October 2004 with teachers from six campuses of the Cebu State College for Science and Technology (CSCST), three highs schools in Lapu-Lapu City and four high schools in Cebu City.

"This is the first time the Cisco Networking Academy Program HP IT Essentials and Java Programming curricula are being made available in public schools and underscores our commitment to equalizing access to quality education for everyone," said Sandy Walsh, manager, Education Programs, Asia Pacific, Cisco Systems.

"CIE believes that a national alliance forged between and among the private sector, local government units and the national government agencies such as the Department of Education is the best catalyst for national development. The alliance can 'fast track' the improvement in the quality of our IT education and its contribution toward economic development and national well-being," said Prof. Juan Banquicio, senior vice president for Academic Affairs of CIE.

The Cisco HP IT Essentials and Java Programming curricula will be implemented in 2005-2006 school year. CIE became a Cisco Networking Academy Program partner in 1999 when it initially offered the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) curriculum. CIE has already graduated an estimated 250 graduates from the CCNA program. It is expanding its Cisco Networking Academy offerings to include the Cisco professional-level CCNP® certification, among others.

The third project CIE is planning to embark on is a special Cisco Networking Academy Program for the hearing-impaired. CIE started piloting this program in 2000 and plans to expand to include other disabled groups.

About CIE

CIE Global Colleges founded in 1985 has always been at the leading edge of ICT technology curriculum development for basic education. CIE has expanded their school system to include higher education and professional continuing education in partnership with the University of Cambridge International Examinations Division in U.K. as their only accredited International Associate Partner in the Philippines. CIE is known as the School For Leaders whose vision is to graduate leaders who are pioneering, purpose-driven, creative and who possess courage - leaders who are catalysts in making the world a better place.

CIE has a college campus in the Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, Makati City while their main campus is in Cebu City. Telephone numbers 887-2828 for CIE-Makati and (032) 233-2555 CIE-Cebu.