IN an effort to address the growing demand for a technically skilled work force in a competitive global market, Cisco Networking Academy has expanded its curriculum in information technology (IT).

“With the dramatic advancements in networking technology over the last 10 years, today’s highly competitive global marketplace requires a work force that is technically skilled,” said Sandy Walsh, regional manager for education programs and corporate responsibility of Cisco Networking Academy.

The expanded IT curriculum came in the midst of the government’s campaign to “bridge the gap” of the prevailing job mismatch situation not only in the country but in the international market as well.

“We recognize that ‘one size does not fit all’ and the Networking Academy needs to evolve to accommodate differences in students capabilities, goals and environments around the globe,” Walsh added.

She explained that the new curricula’s segmented approach provides a solid foundation for IT skills to help prepare students for IT and networking certification, thus helping students in landing rewarding careers and better opportunities.

The newly expanded IT curriculum provides both entry-level and more advanced students with the expertise they need to succeed in a wide range of careers.

The curriculum now consists of two tracks, CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration, which address different students segments based on their academic experience and goals.

Besides the two new tracks for the flagship CCNA course, the newly redesigned IT Essentials course, PC Hardware and Software 4.0, covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and introduces advanced concepts.

A recent study to get a clear picture of the demand and supply of networking technology skills across Asia-Pacific showed that there will be a shortage of 221,000 people with advanced networking technology skills in wireless security and IP telephony in the region by 2009.

The Philippines, in the same study result, is ranked fourth in Asia-Pacific in terms of total networking skills gap in 2006 and is short of 1,300 networking professional. This shortage is expected to increase to 2,400 by 2009.

CLARK FREE PORT—A Korean company is set to invest at least $70 million for the development of a condominium-type hotel, water-theme-park resort and casino complex at this sprawling free port.

DAVAO CITY—The country’s power rate and real-estate cost are the common subjects of whining from foreign investors, although most of them end up still putting up their businesses here, the Board of Investments (BOI) said.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will ask the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to establish a “fish zone” where farmers can grow ornamental fish and have a choice of what specific variety or species they want to grow.

AS part of the campaign to promote malunggay, the lowly veggie’s products and by-products will be showcased in three-day exhibit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

IN an effort to address the growing demand for a technically skilled work force in a competitive global market, Cisco Networking Academy has expanded its curriculum in information technology (IT).

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has engaged in massive seedling production of assorted tree species in Basilan province.

VIGILANT consumers are made by strong education and information.

Thus, this year’s Consumer Month Celebration in October is “Education and Information: Keys to Consumer Empowerment” with the Department of the Education (DepEd) hosting this year’s festivities.