Dr. Kathleen Rose L. Guimbatan, the School President of Saint Tonis College, Inc. (STCI), convened a significant meeting on May 9, 2025, with Dr. Greg Pawilen, a distinguished educator celebrated for his expertise in curriculum design and the burgeoning field of microcredentialing. The pivotal discussion took place at Amici Restaurant in Quezon City, centering on how STCI can significantly enhance its continuing education and lifelong learning offerings through innovative microcredential programs tailored to diverse learner needs.
According to Mr. Mardonio M. Agustin, Jr., the Director of Quality Assurance, ISO, New Programs and Microcredentials for Tertiary Education at STCI, the meeting culminated in the formulation of a compelling name for the institution’s microcredentials program: CARE – Career Advocacy for Responsible Education. This ambitious initiative is set to operate under the established STCI-CELL (Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning), an institute within STCI dedicated to providing accessible and flexible learning pathways for adults, professionals, and non-traditional students.
STCI-CELL is designed to empower individuals through a comprehensive array of opportunities, including certificates, diplomas, short courses, and workshops. These programs are strategically crafted to facilitate upskilling, reskilling, and the pursuit of both personal and professional growth.
This productive meeting between Dr. Pawilen and Dr. Guimbatan, alongside Mr. Mardonio M. Agustin, Jr., and Mr. Angelito J. Alfonso, STCI’s directors for quality assurance, underscores STCI’s proactive stance in adapting to the evolving needs of learners and the demands of the modern workforce. By strategically exploring the potential of microcredentials, STCI aims to deliver targeted and industry-relevant skills development, enabling individuals to achieve their career aspirations efficiently and effectively, both locally and internationally.
The proposed CARE program, operating within STCI-CELL, embodies a strong commitment to responsible education that directly advocates for learners’ career advancement. With Dr. Pawilen’s expert guidance, these programs will prioritize benefiting students from indigenous cultural communities across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Furthermore, STCI is actively developing specific microcredential pathways to broaden career horizons. These include:
□ For BSN graduates (technical nursing): Microcredential courses in German Culture and Language and German Hospital Health Context, designed to equip graduates with the foundational knowledge for potential opportunities in the German healthcare system.
□ For non-BSN degree holders (Para-nursing): A dedicated microcredential course in Hospital Care, providing essential skills and knowledge relevant to supportive roles within hospital settings.
This initiative marks a significant step forward for Saint Tonis College, Inc., in its enduring mission to foster lifelong learning and contribute meaningfully to the professional development of individuals within the region and beyond.
Further details concerning the launch and specific offerings of the CARE program, including enrollment information for the German-focused and para-nursing microcredentials, are anticipated to be announced soon.
Notably, STCI has reignited its partnership with its longstanding partner institution, the Saint Toenis Protestant Congregation of Germany. More exciting developments in relation to this partnership will be announced in the upcoming months.