Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT University) and Unilab Education, Inc. (UniEd) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at aligning higher education with the fast-changing needs of the workforce, particularly in the fields of technology and healthcare.

CIT University and Unilab Education Forge Strategic Partnership to Bridge Education and Industry
(L-R) : Dr. Noel Cortez, Unilab Education Chief Operating Officer; Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Unilab Education President; Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, President of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Mr. John Gregory B. Escario, Vice-President for Administration Director, Student Development and Services of Cebu Institute of Technology-University.

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, brings together two institutions committed to transforming education into a launchpad for opportunity. By combining CIT University’s academic rigor with UniEd’s industry-driven learning ecosystem, the partnership is poised to create future-ready graduates who are equipped to thrive in innovation-led environments.

From L-R: Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, President of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Unilab Education President.

“This partnership brings to life a shared vision—one where education is directly connected to opportunity,” said Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, President of CIT University. “By working with Unilab Education, we bridge the gap between learning and labor, empowering our students with the mindset, skills, and adaptability they need to thrive not just in today’s market, but in tomorrow’s world.”

Empowering Students with Purposeful Learning

At the heart of this partnership is a commitment to accessible, practical, and transformative education. Among the key initiatives CIT University and UniEd will jointly pursue are:

“Our aim is to create a skills-based learning ecosystem that directly links education to employment,” said Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, President of UniEd. “Through this partnership, we stay true to UniEd’s focus on skills readiness, acknowledging that education is a significant investment that must lead to rewarding careers.”

Sitting from L-R: Dr. Noel Cortez, Unilab Education Chief Operating Officer; Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Unilab Education President; Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, President of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Mr. John Gregory B. Escario, Vice-President for Administration Director, Student Development and Services of Cebu Institute of Technology-University;
Standing from L-R: Mr. Ramon Miguel Barredo, Unilab Education Director for Strategic Partnerships; Ms. Karla Reyes, Unilab Education Chief of Staff; Atty. Janzen Joseph G. Sevilla, Director, Finance of Cebu Institute of Technology-University.

This alignment supports the growing national demand for competent, values-driven professionals, especially in high-impact fields like medical technology, nursing, and pharmacy, where skill and compassion directly affect patient care and public health.

Answering Industry Needs

From L-R: Atty. Janzen Joseph G. Sevilla, Director, Finance of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Mr. John Gregory B. Escario, Vice-President for Administration Director, Student Development and Services of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, President of Cebu Institute of Technology-University; Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, Unilab Education President; Ms. Karla Reyes, Unilab Education Chief of Staff; Dr. Noel Cortez, Unilab Education Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Ramon Miguel Barredo, Unilab Education Director for Strategic Partnerships.

For Unilab and other industry stakeholders, this partnership ensures a pipeline of well-trained, motivated talent capable of growing with and contributing to the evolving landscape of healthcare and science. It also supports broader goals of healthcare access and innovation, offering meaningful engagement between academe and industry that drives national development.

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About Unilab Education, Inc. (UniEd)

Unilab Education, Inc. (UniEd) is the education pillar of the Filipino-owned Unilab Group. UniEd’s mission is to enable social mobility through quality education. Focused on ensuring that graduates secure relevant jobs and rewarding careers, UniEd collaborates with universities, colleges, and trade schools—guided by the principle of providing affordable and accessible education.

About CIT University

Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT University) is a premier institution recognized for its innovation and excellence in engineering and technology. It has expanded its reach in the health sciences through programs in Nursing, Pharmacy, and most recently, Medical Technology, all built with the same academic rigor and industry alignment. These programs reflect the university’s deep commitment to producing graduates who are ready to serve in high-demand, high-impact fields.

This partnership between CIT University and Unilab Education affirms a shared belief: that education should not just inform—it should transform, equipping every learner to lead, contribute, and create impact.

#FutureReady #CITUxUniEd #IndustryPreferred #EducationToEmployment #HealthScienceEducation #EngineeringExcellence #ProudlyCIT #UniEdPH