A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for an On-the-Job Training for Information Technology (IT) students was signed between FDS ASYA PHILIPPINES INC. (FDSAP) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP) on May 23, 2022. The program will allow PLSP students to become immersed in digital banking, microfinancing services, and other services related to Information Technology operation.
FDSAP is a company owned by FDS Asya, Inc. based in Singapore. It is the product of a joint venture between two of the leading companies in their respective fields, CARD MRI and Fortress Data Services (FDS) in Indonesia. While FDS provides world-class banking applications for Indonesian banks and financial services, CARD MRI is a group of institutions with the mission of eradicating poverty in the Philippines. Both FDSAP and CARD MRI Holdings, Inc. are member-institutions of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI).
The event was held at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo and was graced by representatives from FDSAP headed by its president, Mr. Roderick G. Mercado together with Mr. Arnel Mendoza, Mr. Raymond Villapando, Ms. Irish Vhernela Emralino and Ms. Queenie Ricablanca. Also present during the MOA signing are representatives from PLSP including Concurrent University President Engineer Arthur B. Almario, PLSP Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Sigfredo C. Adajar, PLSP Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages Prof. Arceli C. Adajar and PLSP Acting Dean College of Computer Studies and Technology Prof. Sherwin D. Quizon. Virtually joining the event were CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MRI Information Technology (CMIT) President Edgar V. Cauyan, CMIT Vice President for Technical Services Maricar Lopez, CMIT Chief Information Security Officer Arman B. Peñafiel, and Director for RM/Partnership/IG Ms. Jean Pauline B. Landicho.
During the event, Mercado highlighted the significance of the agreement, “Since CARD MRI began its operations in San Pablo, Laguna, we also aim to give back to this community we call home. As part of our mission of providing opportunities for the members of this town, we hope to generate employment especially to students who have the potential of contributing to our vision of a poverty-free country with the use of technology.”
In response, Engr. Almario stated, “This collaboration with FDSAP will help our students enhance and develop their skills that might give them better opportunities in the future especially as we adapt to the era of modernization where information technology is highly in demand. The joint forces of PLSP and FDSAP will have a huge impact not only in the community of San Pablo but also will aid the effect of the pandemic in the economy of our country.”
CARD MRI also looks at the possibility of extending the On-the-Job training program not only for IT students but also for other professional fields such as business administration and accountancy. This initial partnership opened doors for more opportunities for fresh graduates towards fruitful training and employment.
