Global City Innovative College: Changing with the Times By Lisa Rosales

Education is a great equalizer – different economic classes are deemed on the same level when put in the same school, getting the same information and knowledge that would equip them for the world. And beyond textbooks and factual intelligence that schools teach us, education and awareness arms people with things not taught inside the classroom, such as open-mindedness and the skill to always seek further knowledge.

Times are always changing. What is relevant a decade ago might not be true today, and what is considered important right now might not be in ten years down the line. Globalization has taken over the world, and borders between countries have blurred. The continuing challenge of keeping up with the trends and demands of the modern economy is a task for educational institutions, those that provide training for the future workforce of the world.

Global Competencies

Eight years ago the Global City Innovative College (GCIC) was founded by a group of dynamic individuals. Starting with 500 students in their first year and concentrating mostly on their Nursing program, now GCIC is a full-pledged college that offers a total of 8 programs to date, including Business (major in Marketing, Finance, and HR), Education (major in Early Childhood, Secondary Education, English or SPED), Caregiving, Nursing, Information Technology, Tourism, Hospitality Management, and Culinary Arts.

The Nursing program curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for all examinations the students will take after graduation. The Commission of Higher Education has currently ranked GCIC as the 9th Top Nursing Schools in the National Capital Region.

Dr. TeresitaPedrajas, a Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee and Dean for the College of Education, calls for more enrollees in the Bachelor of Education program. Teaching professionals are fast dwindling, she says, either they move to another profession because of the low-paying nature of the job, or they get imported to first-world countries to teach their children.

If that trend continues, no one would be left at home to teach our own students. The GCIC Education program only started two years ago but under the guidance of Dr. Pedrajas, aims to produce excellent teachers in the years to come. Teaching is a very noble profession, and more often than not, it is a calling. Teachers have the very big responsibility of shaping our children’s minds; those who will grow up to eventually run the country.

This 2010, GCIC will be introducing two new programs in their curriculum, Tourism and Information Technology.

The Hospitality Industry

The innovative Culinary Arts program was first offered in 2009, and it features a diploma to degree system. After taking the 8-month diploma course, the students have the option to proceed to the HRM program to eventually earn a bachelor's degree. The International Hospitality Management programs of GCIC include the Hospitality Management and Tourism courses. In 2008, the Commission on Higher Education granted GCIC the authority to the Bachelor degree course.

The Diploma for Culinary Arts program combines several methods of teaching including hands-on, classroom sessions, field trips, career development seminars and chef mentoring among others. The subjects include classical cooking, international cuisine, Asian cuisine, baking and pastry, and the more practical side like restaurant and catering business, safety and sanitation, cost control, nutrition, and event management.

The College of International Hospitality Management's newest program, the Bachelor in Tourism provides a comprehensive course that exposes students to various areas in the tourism industry such as travel, hotel, transportation, leisure, resort and destination management.

The current worldwide high demand for skilled workers in the hospitality industry has prompted a lot of schools nationwide to enhance their curriculums. GCIC's programs are competitive, all to provide students with a global outlook and strong industry exposure.

Together with strong business and liberal arts foundation, students are provided with comprehensive language instruction. The ever-increasing world tourism statistics is an indication of how big the market is. Equipped with sound education and solid training foundations, GCIC students are more than ready to take on the world after leaving school.

Strong Foundation for the Changing Times

All programs have carefully selected faculty based on the value of their industry exposure, leadership, communication efficacy supported by their academic achievements and psychological preparation to teach.

Furthermore, in addition to the regular subjects, students are required to take up Life subjects. In Life Skills, necessary things for everyday are taught, such as how checking accounts work, budgeting, parenting, or even dealing with relationship problems. Personality development and training are also included.

GCIC also have “college houses”, named after the Greek gods Aeolus, Gaia, Hephaestus, Poseidon, and Apollo. Students and staff are assigned their houses according to the last digit of their ID cards. These houses compete against each other in sports, cultural presentations, and other contests.

The facilities available at GCIC are state-of-the-art, such as the Mini-Hospital, where nursing students are able to practice their skills in a simulated hospital environment. GCIC also has fully-equipped laboratories such as the Chemistry Lab, Computer Center, and Instrumentation Lab.

Enrolling at GCIC gets you the best value for your money. Compared with leading universities, the tuition fee is very affordable. And it's more than what you pay for - with their excellent faculty members that are top in their fields, and the proximity of the location to one of the best commercial establishments in the metro, it all goes together to give the student a first-rate educational experience. The students are also highly employable with GCIC's assistance after graduation.
GCIC has the flexibility of adapting to the changing needs of the times balanced with the good solid foundation of the old. Engr. Michael Tan, president of GCIC, said "We want our students to be successful not only in their professional life. We don’t just teach our students Competency but build positive Character as well.” Global City Innovative College is what schools of the future are made of. Anticipating the needs of the society, GCIC is preparing students not only for the immediate demands, but for the long-term needs as well.

The location of GCIC at the heart of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City is very ideal - close to commercial establishments such as Market! Market! andBonifacio High Street, and the entire Fort Bonifacio business district as well. Together with top restaurants, medical institutions such as St. Luke's Hospital, and the upcoming Shangri-La Hotel, the location of GCIC plays an integral role in the whole educational experience. Students enjoy a safe, secure, clean and uncongested environment with GCIC.