MANILA, Philippines - With the ASEAN economic integration in 2015 that will see the free movement of goods, services, investments and human resources across the region, there is a need for the country’s labor force to be globally competitive and attractive to foreign investors.
This integration of regional economies will enable Filipino doctors, nurses, dentists, accountants, architects and engineers to practice their professions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. Conversely, professionals in these countries can also work in the Philippines.
A joint study by the Asian Development Bank and the International Labor Organization also reveals that ASEAN economic integration will help create up to 14 million additional jobs by 2025.
With the expected availability of regional work opportunities and influx of foreign professionals into the country, Filipino engineers must be globally competitive, honing their skills and competencies to be at par with international standards.
For its part, the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) has been strengthening the knowledge and skills of its engineering students by offering affordable programs that are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the United States-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the global gold standard in accreditation of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.
Being ABET-accredited assures that TIP engineering programs are periodically evaluated and enhanced by professionals from various industries, the government and the academe to ensure that TIP students and graduates develop technical skills that are tailor-fit and responsive to the needs of the workplace.
“We are proud to do our share in preparing Filipino engineering students for the employment challenges of the ASEAN economic integration by offering affordable ABET-accredited engineering programs that enhance their competencies and skills, making them more competitive in the global workforce arena,” said Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, TIP president.
To keep abreast with strict ABET standards, TIPalso periodically assesses and upgrades all aspects of its systems, processes and programs – from student-faculty interactions and curricula, to classrooms and engineering laboratory facilities.
Armed with up-to-date skills and proficiencies, TIP graduates, on the other hand, can readily take on job opportunities in the ASEAN region and worldwide, as a growing number of multinational companies are steadily considering graduates from ABET-accredited programs, for employment.
TIP engineering graduates can also confidently apply for professional licensure exams, seek international certifications and apply for scholarships and recognitions anywhere in the world, all towards enhancing their employability and starting a highly-technical profession.