Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Moving towards global competitiveness

“The purpose of education is to develop the powers and capacities latent within individuals so that they may contribute their share to an ever advancing civilization.” - Alan November

School, an instrument of education, is an institution where one can learn the basic skills like reading, writing, arithmetic and other realms of knowledge. It therefore provides the competent teaching force and necessary facilities for conducive learning. Furthermore, the school gives direction to the learning process based on well-design curricula. Thus, it is this vital role of the school in preparing the youth for responsible citizenship and productive involvement in nation-building that makes it a catalyst for development of society.

Jose Maria College, an educational institution in Davao City, has sought to produce globally competitive and responsible graduates for the last seven years. The institution is founded upon a hallowed vision of molding the potentials of the youth based on the principles of spirituality, righteousness, harmony, productivity, patriotism, and ecological integrity. In line with its vision of becoming a center of academic and non-academic excellence, Jose Maria College is gradually building a culture of assured, consistent and quality education among its populace. With its mission “to bring out the best in every Filipino youth both in academic and non-academic aspects,” the institution makes avenues for community and national transformation and development.

The metamorphosis of Jose Maria College has been remarkable. In just a short span of seven years, JMC metamorphosed from an academy into a college consisting of pre-school, elementary, high school and college departments. The Commission on Higher Education and Technical Educational Skills Development Authority granted the Jose Maria College a permit to operate and offer the following baccalaureate and vocational courses: Bachelor of Science with major fields in Information Technology, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Psychology, Accountancy, Business Administration and Elementary and Secondary Education, Bachelor of Arts with major fields in Mass Communication, English and Theology, Diplomas in Computer Science and Computer Technician and six-month Caregiver training program. Two new programs which will prove its worth in academic arena in the near future are Bachelor of Science with major fields in Nursing and Hotel and Restaurant Management

To provide education in its finest, Jose Maria College is housed with fully functional and equipped with state-of-the-arts educational facilities like gymnasium, libraries, mass media center, physics and chemistry laboratories, TESDA and drawing rooms, and computer laboratories. In addition, the construction for the completion of second phase of the U-shaped building is ongoing for the preparation of the expected populace in the coming years.

Despite its being a neophyte, Jose Maria College has been creating a marked difference in academic and non-academic fields in Davao City. Besides, it has never flinched from competing with other prominent schools in locality. It was able to harness the potentials of its students and trained them to become the school’s pride and honor by winning several competitions such as United Future Educators of Davao Friendship Games, Speak-Up extemporaneous speaking contest, STEP National Competition, GS and Mabutas basketball cups, chess, and volleyball tournaments.

Keeping the importance of education in mind, Jose Maria College aims to promote students achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

With Jose Maria College, students can now face the challenges of 21st century with confidence and aplomb.

“Marshalling all its resources towards the attainment of its vision as an educational institution, the Jose Maria College even at its seventh year of existence has already dared to stretch its wings like an eagle mounting the heights of the boundless sky.” – Moonyeen Versoza

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