ILOILO CITY— The Clark Development Corp. has entered into partnerships with leading higher education institutions and an aviation school in Western Visayas to offer students on-the-job training placements at the CDC and in the Clark Freeport.
CDC president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera signed separate memoranda of agreement with Dr. Elsie Tedoco, director of Center for Linkages and International Affairs of St. Paul University-Iloilo, and Rouella Cheyenne Aberia, job placement officer of the Central Philippine University.
Devanadera also signed a memorandum of understanding with Visayas Aerospace College and Technology Inc. chief operating officer Julian Bahinting, Jr.
“It’s all about people. It’s all about getting connected. It’s all about being relevant. It’s all about continuity and making the Philippines the best source of manpower,” said Devanadera during the signing ceremonies at the Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo on March 18.
“Our people are our wealth. Your students are valuable assets to investors. We can continue to attract more investors because we have a workforce that is English-speaking, young, creative, and innovative. So, we look forward to having you, and welcome to Clark,” the CDC chief enthused.
Through these collaborations, CDC aims to become a training institution offering internships at the state-run corporation and with 1,198 Clark locators. This initiative provides students with practical experience to enhance their employability. Upon completing their internships, students will serve as “Clark Ambassadors,” sharing their experiences and promoting Clark. This initiative is part of CDC’s broader efforts to drive economic growth and position Clark as a premier destination.
“Through this partnership, we are empowered to provide our students with greater access to learning, industry linkages, and transformative experiences that will shape them into future leaders. We deeply appreciate the trust and commitment of our partners in helping us fulfill our mission of academic excellence and holistic development,” said Tedoco.
For her part, Aberia highlighted the value of partnerships in creating opportunities for students. “We believe in collaborations and partnerships, as these are the foundational blocks of our community and society. These partnerships not only add credibility to and form part of the networks and linkages of the institutions but, more importantly, usher in additional opportunities that are open to our students in terms of gainful experience and, eventually, placement or employment.”
For Mark Robert Alcalde, marketing manager of VACTI, the MOU between his school and CDC ushers in a new era of aerospace innovation.
“This collaboration is poised to foster innovation in aerospace technology, create exceptional educational opportunities, and stimulate economic growth within the region. The combined expertise and resources of these two prominent organizations will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking advancements and a strengthened aerospace ecosystem. Congratulations to VACTI and CDC on this exciting new partnership!” Alcalde said. CDC-PR/Contributed photos
