PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI), the education services subsidiary of PHINMA Corporation, has acquired Union College of Laguna (UCL) -- joining its roster as its ninth school in the Philippines.
In a statement, PHINMA said UCL is the second in its Laguna network after the acquisition of PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (PHINMA RCL) last year.
“Despite the challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission to provide quality, accessible education to underserved students has not changed,” said PHINMA Education Country Head Dr. Raymundo P. Reyes.
He added that, “In fact, there’s an even bigger need now for schools that will help students get the education they deserve at the lowest cost possible.” UCL offers undergraduate courses in Education, Accountancy, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Criminology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Psychology, among others.
“Part of our strategy is evaluating courses and adjusting them based on the needs of industries. We may add more courses that are better suited for the employability of our graduates, especially after the pandemic,” Dr. Reyes said.
PHINMA Education is currently using two flexible learning models, Flex Learning and Remote and Distance (RAD) Learning, which both employ printed modules and remote coaching through mobile data and devices.
Last year, it partnered with Globe and PLDT Smart to provide 10 GB of mobile data every month to its 72,000 strong student population. It also continued to provide Hawak Kamay (HK) scholarships to qualified enrollees.
“As educators, we have the responsibility to prepare our students to succeed in a constantly changing world. This means arming them not just with industry knowledge but also with core work skills and the ability to learn by themselves,” said Dr. Reyes.
He noted that, “As part of our network, UCL will benefit from the strategies that we have been able to hone over the past 17 years.” PHINMA Education has an 80 percent average first-time passing rate for licensure exams with some 81 percent of students getting hired a year after graduation. It has had 102 board exam topnotchers since its inception in 2004.
PEHI now owns and operates nine schools across the Philippines and manages one in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.