PEZA launches University of Perpetual Help System – Molino, Cavite as new special ecozone for Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST)

May 12, 2021

PEZA launches University of Perpetual Help System – Molino, Cavite as new special ecozone for Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST)

12 May 2021 (Wednesday)

Pasay City – The Philippine of Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito B. Plaza together with University of the Perpetual Help System (UPHS) Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Dalta and Jonelta Group, Dr. BGen Antonio L. Tamayo signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 5, 2021, at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas Campus, thereby making it as the first Private Higher Educational Institution (HEIS) to be recognized by PEZA as a Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) - Special Economic Zone Institute (KIST-SEZ Institute) in the Philippines.

Plaza expressed her warmest gratitude to the successful MOA Signing. She said, “I am delighted to launch UPHSD-Molino as the first Private Higher Education Institution to be recognized as a Knowledge Innovation Science and Technology (KIST) – Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Institute called the ALTAHUB.”
“It is high time that we continue finding and establishing innovative ways of uplifting our society, starting from our youth and even working Filipinos to attain better education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The 21st century skills are needed to succeed in a working environment that is becoming increasingly competitive.” PEZA Chief Plaza added.

The making of the UPHS Dalta-Molino Campus as KIST-SEZ Institute is in line with the strategies for accelerating the development of human capital as provided in Chapter 10 of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2020.
This aims to develop lifelong learning opportunities and improve income-earning abilities to enable Filipinos to respond to the economic challenges of the 21st century and nation-building.

LGU support to host KIST

Bacoor City Mayor Lani M. Revilla also graced the event virtually as the Keynote Speaker. Revilla emphasized the strong partnership between the local government of the city of Bacoor and the University of Perpetual Help System (UPHS) Dalta over the years as their ever-dependable champion in providing high-quality and affordable education.

Mayor Revilla said that “the Philippine Economic Zone Authority made the best choice in tapping the UPHS as their partner for the promotion and creation of Philippine startup ecozones that support organizations aiming to develop an innovative product, process or business including startup enablers.”
According to Revilla, UPHS-Molino Campus opened its doors for the first time in May 1995 and has only 700 enrollees. At present, its enrollment boosts more than 6,000 students catering not only to people residing in Bacoor but to nearby cities and towns as well.

UPHS Founder, Dr. BGen Antonio L. Tamayo alongside with the University President Dr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo spearheaded the creation of the AltaHub facility in the UPHS-Molino Campus to create a more robust tie-up between the academe, the hospital, and the industry with the goal to become PEZA-accredited private higher education institution and be recognized as KIST-SEZ Institute. Thus, the creation of the AltaHub Innovation Institute will have three (3) major flagship programs at the forefront of nation-building namely health, business, and technology.

Further, the AltaHub shall become the bridge between the educational institution and the needs of various industries in the country as they will serve as a research and development facility not only for the University but also for the neighboring towns and areas within the proximity of the locations or investors to be assigned by the UPHS through the assistance of PEZA.

UPHS lauds PEZA’s SEZ Institute program

Meanwhile, Dr. BGen Antonio L. Tamayo has also expressed his appreciation to Director General Plaza for her support not only for the UPHS, but for the entire socio-economic community of the Philippines through its programs like the SEZ Institute program.

Under PEZA’s Transformational Roadmap to make the Philippines an investment haven in Asia, SEZ Institute and training centers shall be built in every region in public ecozones, SEZs, or in KIST parks (SUCs, private universities) according to the skills and manpower needs of RDC/LGU-identified industries, integrating TESDA, DOST, and other government and private sector skills training programs for ecozone and industry workers.

He said, “Education is the core competency of the university. The dynamics of teaching and learning experience in our university have always held the importance of academic excellence, community service, and research. With the blessing of the local government of Bacoor and PEZA, the formation of AltaHub brings together three vital ingredients which will benefit both the community and our country, in general: education, employment, and economic growth.”

The AltaHub Council Officers also took their oath of office last Wednesday to formalize their roles and responsibilities in establishing a resilient facility such as the AltaHub KIST-SEZ Institute.

PEZA Director General Plaza and UPHS Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Dalta and Jonelta Group, Dr. BGen Antonio L. Tamayo signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 5, 2021, at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas Campus

Live screenshot of PEZA-UPHS MOA Signing from UPHS Dalta-Las Piñas Official Facebook Page