THE COMMISSION on Higher Education and Mapua University partnered to equip higher education institutions with data science and analytics skills for the post-Covid world.

They launched the Data Analytics and Digital Transformation Training for Higher Education, an executive program delivered by Carnegie Mellon University-Australia, a global leader in data analytics.

Participants in the program will undergo a 10-day virtual training on comprehensive  business intelligence, data analytics, and technology management.

The 60 participants from 45 HEIs nationwide will be taught by CMUA’s expert pool of faculty who are also industry experts.

The opening program was attended by CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III, Mapua President Dr. Reynaldo Vea, Carnegie Mellon University – Australia Head Professor Emil Bolongaita, and CHED OIC Executive Director and International Affairs Staff Director Lily Freida Milla.

“This partnership between Mapua and CMUA is very timely not only to improve efficiency in the operations of HEIs using data science but also to build upon our efforts to create smart campuses and continue flexible learning in the post-Covid era,” De Vera said.

“CHED pushed for the development of smart campuses across the country in Bayanihan 2, but we can only lay the foundations and we need technology experts to guide the HEIs to ensure efficiency of operations for enrollment, customizing delivery of education courses, faculty-student interaction, and recruitment of faculty,” he added.

Bolongaita said that the initiative will also empower Philippine educators and play a small part in helping the country recover from the public health and economic crisis.

“The Philippines is being tested like never before and while it’s difficult to imagine, the pandemic will come to pass. We want to make sure that educators are ready for this and that the workforce more broadly is upskilled,” Bolongaita said.

In addition to the virtual training, participants shall also develop asynchronous data analytics modules with localized applications that will cascade the training to other Philippine HEIs.

Participants may also choose to continue to a Master in Business Analytics in Mapua University, as the program will be credited.

This project is among the 11 programs under CHED’s International Continuing Professional grants which funds international certificate programs and short courses for Philippine HEI faculty and staff.

“In times of rapid change when there is uncertainty, we need to seize the opportunity to innovate and trailblaze on new grounds,” De Vera said.