ILOILO CITY— Clark Development Corporation (CDC) partners with leading higher education institutions (HEIs) and an aviation school to offer students On-the-Job Training (OJT) placements at CDC and in Clark Freeport.
CDC led by President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, has partnered with HEIs in Western Visayas: St. Paul University Iloilo (SPU-Iloilo), Central Philippine University (CPU), and Visayas Aerospace College and Technology (VACTI). They signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SPU-Iloilo and CPU, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VACTI on March 18 at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo.
CDC aims to become a training institution through this collaboration, offering internships at CDC 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.
“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 Atty. Devanadera.
“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 said.
Also present during the MOU signing were Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio, Jr., Assistant Vice-President for Administration and Finance; Elsie Tedoco, Director of the Center for Linkages and International Affairs from SPU-Iloilo; Rouella Cheyenne Aberia, Job Placement Officer from CPU. Also in attendance were Julian Bahinting Jr., Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Robert Alcalde, Marketing Manager, both from VACTI.
“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.
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,” Aberia said.
For Alcalde, CDC and VACTI’s collaboration 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.