Philippine Consul General hails Class of ’24 graduates

As has been repeatedly pronounced that learning is a life-long process, 288 graduates who reflect the multi-diversity of the UAE that presses for the principles of quality, people-centred and sustainable education, have been reminded that as they have endeavoured to improve more their professional lot, salient more has become their responsibility to share whatever they have acquired intellectually and skills-wise; despite “personal sacrifices.”

The 288, although only 71 were able to physically attend their graduation ceremonies on Friday evening in Dubai, were either one-time or several-times-over students of the nine-month-old Optimal Education Centre Dubai (OpEd), registered under the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and its complementary Optimal Consulting and Research Centre (OpCon) licensed under the Sharjah Publishing City (Free Zone).

“To our dear graduates, today is a significant milestone for you. Your journey has been marked by resilience, dedication and intellect, often at the cost of significant personal sacrifices. Your education has equipped you with the tools to influence and innovate. In an increasingly interconnected world, your role as ambassadors of change is more important than ever. You have the power to embrace the opportunities that come with our globalised society. Use your talent to bridge the gaps and build connections. The skills and perspective you have gained are unique gifts. Share them with the world and make a difference. Remember, you are not just graduates but ambassadors of change entrusted with the responsibilities to shape a better future. We see your graduation as a stepping stone towards sustainable practices, sustainable solutions, social equity, and economic prosperity,” was the message of Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles, delivered by Philippine Consulate General in Dubai Cultural Officer Joie Pabilla.

The Class of 2024 of the two centres, established by Filipino and British entrepreneurs from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are majority Filipinos.

Others are Britons, Emiratis, Canadians, Americans, Indians, Africans, Iraqis, Syrians, Pakistanis, and Jordanians.

Of the 256 OpEd graduates, 102 (40 per cent) are Human Resources Management (HRM) staff to corporate senior board members; 77 (30 per cent) are managers in the areas of engineering, customer service, manufacturing, healthcare and domestic labour; 51 (20 per cent) are undergraduate and post-graduate students; and 26 (10 per cent) are owners/chief executive officers of architectural, educational and consulting organisations.

They enrolled either in one or a combination of HRM for Thought Leaders, Transformative Leadership, Photography for Aspiring Lensmaster, The Art of Writing for Business, The Legal Environment of Business for Entrepreneurs, Transformative Coaching, Accounting for Entrepreneurs, HRM Consulting, Analytics: Supporting People and Culture, Transformative Leadership and Organisational Management Consulting, Action Research Process, Mental Health for Leaders, and Updates on UAE Labour Laws.

Several of them, are the trainers themselves. They earned not only certificates but also diplomas, authenticated by the internationally-recognised Skill Development Council Canada.

To Gulf Today, entrepreneur Catherine Ordonez-Rivera defined her relationship with the students as “incredibly fulfilling” brought about by their “unique backgrounds and experiences” that “enriched the learning environment and challenged me to continually adapt and innovate my teaching methods. It is rewarding to share what I have learnt. My experience has helped me solidify my own understanding of the complex HR concepts.”

Business International student/OpEd Organisational Management Certificate gold medalist Leo Dubois Du Belley, in his Student Achiever’s Address, stressed on his “transformative learning” by way of the “hands-on training, the innovative teaching methods, and the supportive network of peers and faculty.”

He now can creatively handle problems; be bold with challenges, and be clear in all his messaging.

Of the 32 OpCon graduates from the Filipino and African communities, 19 (60 per cent) are employed in the domestic sector.

Thirteen 13 (40 per cent) are nurses, receptionists, customer service staff and teachers.