For more than nine decades, Holy Angel University (HAU) has remained steadfast in its mission to transform lives through quality, accessible, and values-centered education. As one of the premier universities in Central Luzon, HAU continuously strives to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
At the heart of this commitment are visionary academic leaders who drive innovation and excellence within their respective schools and colleges.
From classroom to career
As Dean of the School of Computing at Holy Angel University, Dr. Marlon I. Tayag has been a driving force behind the institution’s efforts to develop industry-ready technology professionals equipped for the demands of the digital economy.
Leveraging his expertise in information technology, he has led initiatives that combine academic excellence with globally recognized certifications, including CompTIA learning pathways. Through his leadership, students gain access to industry-relevant training and credentials that strengthen their career readiness and position them for success in the rapidly evolving digital workforce.
Why CompTIA was the right choice?
Explaining what made CompTIA stand out among other certification providers, Dr. Tayag said, "We chose CompTIA because it is a globally recognized and respected provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. Its certifications equip students with versatile, industry-relevant skills that apply across various technologies and career paths, while also enhancing their employability through credentials valued by employers worldwide.
We partnered with CompTIA three years ago to embed certification-based learning into our curriculum. The partnership helps align classroom learning with current industry standards and workforce needs, ensuring students are well prepared for careers in IT and cybersecurity.”
Creating a strong entry point for IT education
Dr. Tayag shares insights on the Computer Fundamentals (CFUN) program.
”The program is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in computer and digital technology skills. Aimed at students, educators, career shifters, and individuals new to information technology, the program covers essential topics such as computer hardware, software, operating systems, networking, cybersecurity awareness, and troubleshooting."
To ensure that learning outcomes align with industry expectations, the CFUN program is mapped to the CompTIA Tech+ certification. Through this certification pathway, learners develop digital literacy, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and gain practical skills that are directly applicable to today’s technology-driven workplaces. As the university’s most popular certification pathway, CompTIA Tech+ serves as an accessible entry point for those pursuing careers in information technology.
Recognizing the growing importance of data skills in the modern workforce, Holy Angel University is further expanding the program by integrating CompTIA Data+ into its learning pathway beginning next semester. This enhancement will provide students with foundational knowledge in data analytics, data visualization, data governance, and data-driven decision-making, enabling them to build competencies that are increasingly sought after across industries.
By combining certification-aligned learning with practical, industry-relevant skills, the
CFUN program helps prepare learners not only for certification success but also for
long-term careers in IT, cybersecurity, and emerging data-focused roles.
Results and impact
According to Dr. Tayag, the impact of the CompTIA certification program has been overwhelmingly positive. Through certification-aligned learning, students have developed a stronger understanding of core IT concepts, including computer systems, networking, and cybersecurity.
The university has observed that students who earn CompTIA certifications demonstrate greater confidence in applying their knowledge in practical settings. They are better prepared for internships, advanced technology courses, and entry-level roles in the IT industry. In addition to strengthening technical competencies, certification provides students with an industry-recognized credential that validates their skills and knowledge to prospective employers.
Looking ahead
"We plan to expand our certification offerings to provide students with more specialized learning opportunities," says Dr. Tayag. CompTIA will continue to play a key role in helping us keep our curriculum aligned with evolving industry standards and employer expectations, ensuring students graduate with relevant, workforce-ready skills.
Dr. Tayag believes that industry certifications deliver the greatest value when they are fully integrated into the curriculum rather than offered as optional or extracurricular activities.
"Doing so gives students a clear learning pathway and motivates them to achieve
recognized credentials before they graduate."
He also emphasizes the importance of selecting certifications that align with both program objectives and current industry needs. To ensure successful implementation, institutions should invest in faculty development and create opportunities for students to prepare through hands-on learning experiences and practice assessments.
"Industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA not only validate students’ knowledge and skills but also enhance their workforce readiness."