Expanding students’ access to industry-recognized digital skills and professional development opportunities, the University of Northern Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), officially launched the Google Career Certificate Program to strengthen computing education and equip students with competencies relevant to the demands of the digital workforce.
Spearheaded by Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Shareen Navarro, Director of the Information and Communication Technology Office; and Ms. Rosanne Agup, Dean of the College of Communication and Information Technology, the initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to extend learning beyond traditional classroom instruction through strategic partnerships with government agencies and other institutions.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding formalized the institutional partnership between UNP and DTI, marking a significant step toward ensuring that the University’s academic programs remain responsive to evolving industry standards and workforce demands. The agreement reinforces both institutions’ commitment to provide students with relevant learning opportunities and industry-aligned competencies.
Leading the UNP delegation during the signing were University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna; Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Fatima Rocamora; Vice President for Finance and Administration Mr. Albert Tejero; and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro.
Representing DTI–Ilocos Sur Provincial Office were Acting Provincial Director H.A. Zaldy Zafra Jr.; Mr. Benigno Ponce, Chief of the Business Development Division; and Ms. Patricia May Hugo, GCC Virtual Administrator and program focal person.
Implemented nationwide through a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry and Google, the program will grant University of Northern Philippines students, faculty, and staff free access to 19 specialized online learning tracks designed to develop essential and advanced information and communication technology competencies.
The learning offerings cover a wide range of in-demand fields, including Data Analytics, IT Support, Project Management, User Experience Design, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, IT Automation with Python, Business Intelligence, and Data-Driven Decision Making, among others. The tracks also include courses on project and people management, network security, customer engagement, stakeholder management, and career development using artificial intelligence.
Designed for flexible, self-paced learning, each track allows participants to complete the required coursework according to their schedules and earn a Google certificate upon successful completion. These industry-recognized credentials will serve as proof of acquired competencies and provide learners with practical skills relevant to current workplace demands. As emphasized in the program, “These certificates bridge the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is needed in today’s workforce.”
By making these micro-credentials accessible at no cost, the initiative removes financial barriers to skills development, strengthens students’ competitiveness in the job market, and provides faculty and staff with opportunities for continuous professional growth. Following the formalization of the partnership, UNP and DTI will coordinate the enrollment and implementation arrangements to facilitate the participation of student cohorts, faculty members, and university personnel in the online certification program.
Article by Shareen Navarro. Photo by Noelle Tacas.
