THE MOVE FORWARD: TRANSITIONS OF MANILA TYTANA COLLEGES 1

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1 THE MOVE FORWARD: TRANSITIONS OF MANILA TYTANA COLLEGES 1 Its most prominent change may have been the transfer of its campus in But Manila Tytana Colleges, or MTC, has forged ahead from its beginnings as Manila Doctors Hospital School of Nursing (MDHSN) since First located at the fourth floor of Manila Doctors Hospital along United Nations Avenue, MTC commemorates its eighth year of transfer to Pasay today. The campus consists of two Mediterranean-style buildings which rise prominently along President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Black gate railings stretch the length of MTC s front, where students from various programs and thus in different uniforms may be seen around the campus. MTC has extended its course offerings beyond nursing, once the flagship program of the School as MDHSN and later as Manila Doctors College. Led by its current president and former University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Dr. Sergio Cao, MTC prepares future leaders in nursing, business, and the arts and sciences within the framework of an academe-industry partnership. The framework, Cao said, enables MTC students to learn in work environments and acquire skills responsive to workplace needs. MTC s move forward aims to prepare its graduates to become professionals who will fit and be ready for labor market demands. 1 First published in The Philippine Star, 2012, November 26, p. 19

2 ACADEME-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP: ENABLING BETTER TRANSITIONS In a June 2012 report on higher education by Asian Development Bank (ADB), ADB recommended that university curricula and instruction in higher education in Asia must be better aligned with labor market needs. While science and technology received particular emphasis, graduates in general could be improved in terms of their soft skills in higher learning according to the report. MTC has begun responding to such workplace needs by working together with participating members of the Metrobank Group, of which it is partner. It has started fostering partnerships with other industry leaders. Within the academe-industry framework of MTC, each 300-hour student or work-experience internship program will be designed to enhance students soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and working together with others. Interns will be challenged to handle projects and work problems in participating companies. Industry exposure field trips will allow students to become oriented on the way their prospective industries operate. Among MTC student interns, members of the Metrobank Group and other industry partners may identify prospective employees, Cao said. Companies shall benefit from cooperating. Professionals from participating companies can become adjunct professors who will share their expertise through special lectures. They may involve themselves in research collaboration with students and faculty for relevant information and research needs. Further, program curricula may be enhanced accordingly with market demands. Learning resources from both college and company may be exchanged.

3 37 YEARS IN NURSING EDUCATION: BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS MTC built its hallmark as a leader in nursing education throughout the years since it started as Manila Doctors Hospital School of Nursing in After offering a three-year graduate nursing program, it acquired the permit to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in In February 1979, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. took over Manila Medical Services, electing Dr. George S.K. Ty as Chairman and Mr. Edgardo Espiritu as President. Among the following presidents were Mr. Jose Araullo ( ), Dr. Pacido Mapa, Jr. ( ), Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña ( ), and Mrs. Theresita Turla ( ). The School became Manila Doctors College in 1980, offering Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing, Psychology, and Zoology. Following its registration as a non-stock corporation under the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1993, it earned a series of level accreditations - Level I accreditation from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines in 1995, and Level II accreditation Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) in In 2003, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted full Deregulated Status to the School. From then on, the School has consistently performed well and above average in the Nursing Licensure Examination. TRANSFER AND NAME CHANGE: BREAKING GROUNDS One year after the School s transfer to Pasay and in time for its 30th anniversary in 2005, the Dona Tytaña Tower was built inside the campus.

4 Manila Tytana Colleges officially became the new name of Manila Doctors College in 2011 when the School diversified its curriculum beyond nursing. The School is dedicated to Doña Victoria Ty-Tan, mother of Dr. George S.K. Ty who is now Honorary Chairman of MTC and the Chairman of the Metrobank Group of Companies. EXTENDING TO BUSINESS AND ARTS AND SCIENCES: FORGING AHEAD Aside from Bachelor of Science in Psychology, the School has offered other degree programs in business, and in arts and sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and the Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts, the first of its kind in the country, were given full recognition by CHED in In the same year, Bachelor of Science in Psychology was given Level I accreditation by PAASCU; while the first batch of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology students graduated. In 2011, the School opened business courses in Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration. MOVING FORWARD As Manila Tytana Colleges continues to set standards in nursing education, it moves forward by intensifying its business education and arts and sciences programs. Through the MTC Professional Development Center, the School offers continuing education and training for professionals and organizations. The directions MTC took years ago are now taking hold, transforming it into a higher educational institution attuned to signs of the times while upholding quality standards.

5 It subjects itself to regular and rigorous accreditation, and pursues continuous and steady efforts to enhancing and updating program curricula. Scholarships and financial assistance programs ensure that academically excellent students may be reached regardless of their financial backgrounds. Its leadership ensures that faculty, students, and employees come to MTC every day finding better ways to teach, train, and learn.