Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) celebrates the graduation of its pioneering cohort, with 55 percent of the graduating class composed of working students—reflecting the institution’s commitment to making higher education more accessible to Filipinos balancing work and other responsibilities.
Among the graduates is Kathleen Joyce de Ramos, who earned a BSBA in Operations Management after putting her college plans on hold for five years due to financial challenges. As a breadwinner, de Ramos worked her way from a manufacturing company trainer to a client service representative while supporting her family.
She enrolled at MMDC in 2023 after looking for a fully online program that would allow her to pursue a degree without leaving her job. Its flexible setup allowed her to choose class schedules around her work, helping her complete her studies without sacrificing her career.
From Dentistry To Technology
Another graduate, licensed dentist Anthony Quitay, pursued a second degree in BSIT with a specialization in Data Analytics after developing an interest in technology and artificial intelligence.
When the pandemic disrupted his dental practice, Quitay worked as an AI and machine learning data annotator. His experience working alongside engineers in AI and healthcare encouraged him to explore technology further while maintaining a full-time government position.
His time at MMDC also led to an internship as a machine learning research engineer/researcher at GCash and a thesis project focused on the early detection of newborn defects. He now hopes to explore opportunities where his background in dentistry and technology can intersect.
The inaugural graduates received their degrees during a ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center on August 20, 2026. The cohort includes graduates specializing in Marketing Management under BSBA and Software Development under BSIT.
Preparing Students For The Future Of Work
MMDC’s first-batch graduate survey, which gathered responses from 113 graduates, found that 28 percent had received a salary increase and 21 percent had been promoted while studying, while 19 percent started a business or pursued self-employment during their undergraduate journey.
The college’s Problems, Projects, and Cases (PPC) approach focuses on applying lessons to real-world situations while developing problem-solving, collaboration, resilience, and independence. Students also receive support from the Career Development Office through career planning, résumé and portfolio development, interview preparation, professional branding, job-search strategies, internships, and employer engagement.
MMDC also announced that 22 Abanse Negrense scholars from the Class of 2026 earned Latin Honors, through its partnership with the Negros Occidental Provincial Government.
For more information about MMDC’s digital-first learning model, college programs, and certifications, visit Mapúa Malayan Digital College.
