MANILA, 1 May 2006 — The Mapua Institute of Technology, known for its over 80 years of academic excellence in engineering and architecture, has expressed willingness to tie up with the New Generation Philippine International School (NGPIS) in Riyadh.
NGPIS singled out Mapua for being consis-tent in topping licensure examinations.
Just recently, Mapua graduates garnered four of the top 10 places in the electronics and communications engineering licensure examination.
Of the 807 who passed the exam, 162 (about 20 percent) were from Mapua. Mapua graduates likewise topped the February 2006 sanitary engineering board exams, capturing the 1st, 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th places.
“The idea would benefit both schools and the students in particular,” explained Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, Mapua president, in a meeting with NGPIS delegation headed by Mari Con Caro, director for academic affairs.
Vea also said that with the twinning affiliation, the curriculum of Riyadh-based students who plan to continue their final years in engineering, architecture, information technology, nursing, business administration, hotel and restaurant management, among others, will be credited when they report to Mapua in Manila.
Caro was sent to Manila by the Saudi sponsor of NGPIS to initiate negotiations with Mapua and the Malayan High School of Science (formerly Mapua Pre-Engineering High School) for a tie-up in the curriculum.
Also present in the meeting representing Mapua were Germaine C. Gochioco, executive vice president for administration and chief operating officer; Dr. Jonathan L. Salvacion, dean of graduate studies; Gloria dela Merced-Josol, head of the Center for Guidance and Counseling; and Severo Laguardia, consultant of the Malayan High School of Science.
Caro was accompanied by Zen Meren, director for student affairs. Meren said their sponsor has agreed to visit Manila in September to finalize the negotiations with Mapua and Malayan.
Of the more than 4,000 employees in the group of companies owned by the Saudi sponsor, 1,600 are Filipinos.
“We rely heavily on Filipinos as they are loyal and hard-working. Giving a quality education to their dependents is my acknowledgment for their dedication and hard work,” the sponsor has said.
Riyadh has about 12 schools operating for Filipino expatriates. NGPIS was conceptualized as a science school and has already obtained its permit to operate in the Kingdom. The main focus of the school’s core curriculum will be English, mathematics and science.
NGPIS is located in Sulemaniyah District, at the rear of and close to Riyadh International School. Registration for 2006 school year starts on May 4. The school’s contact numbers are: 050-097-5829, 050-221-0053, and 050-060-5982.
Caro said Global Asia Alliance Consultant has recruited science, math and English teachers with high scholastic records and experience in international schools to complete the school’s teaching staff. Other teachers were hired locally.