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Information and Communications Technology Academy, better known as iAcademy (stylized as iACADEMY), is a private, non-sectarian educational institution in the Philippines. The college offers specialized Senior High School and Undergraduate programs in fields relating to computer science, game development, multimedia arts, animation, and business management.

Key Information

The college has two campuses: iACADEMY Nexus in Yakal, located in the Makati Central Business District and the Cebu Campus, which was formally inaugurated in 2023.[1]

History

[edit]

Founded in 2002, iACADEMY offers specialized degree programs in BS computer science with specialization in software engineering, BS computer science with specialization in cloud computing specialization track in partnership with Amazon Web Services, BS computer science with specialization in data science specialization track, BS information technology with specialization in web development, BS Bachelor of Science in entertainment and multimedia computing game development, BS business administration with specialization in marketing management, BS in accountancy, BS in real estate management, BA in psychology, BA fashion design and technology, BA multimedia arts and design, BS in animation, and BA in film and visual effects. In 2007, iACADEMY was granted permission by the Commission on Higher Education, to offer the first Bachelor of Science animation program in the Philippines.[2] It is one of the first college institutions in the Philippines to offer BS in Animation.[3] iACADEMY's School of Continuing Education offers similar short courses aimed at working professionals.[4]

iACADEMY uses an industry-aligned curriculum in its degree programs that is focused in computing, business, and design.[5] The four-year programs culminate in a six-month, 960-hour internship program that the students have to go through before graduating.

In 2014, iACADEMY moved to a new campus in Buendia to house its growing student population.[6] On the same year, iACADEMY signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Aboitiz Weather Philippines to develop a website and application for a faster and more user-friendly experience on weather reports.[7]

iACADEMY was also able to lock down a study tour partnership with Polimoda. Italy's leading school of Fashion and Marketing,[8] as well as a transfer program with De Paul University in Chicago, U.S. The school also, together with the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) also hosted the Animahenasyon 2014,[9] the biggest Animation Festival in the Philippines, drawing thousands of students and professionals to the event.

In 2018, due to its growing student population, iACADEMY opened its second campus, iACADEMY Nexus, on Yakal Street, Makati.[10]

Milestones and partnerships

[edit]

2002 - iACADEMY was established

2009 - iACADEMY became an Authorized Training Partner of Wacom, a Japanese company that produces graphics tablets and related products.It was also designated as the first IBM Center of Excellence in the ASEAN region.

2010 - iACADEMY partnered with Runway Philippines Season 3 & 4. iACADEMY also partnered with TV5 during the first automated elections in the Philippines. Together with DZRH Manila Broadcasting Radio, Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), Stratbase, Inc. Public Affairs and Research Consultancy Group, ePLDT, Inc., and Social Weather Stations (SWS), they worked to bring up-to-date election coverage.[11] In the same year, the college was appointed the first IBM Software Center of Excellence in the ASEAN Region[12] and the first Lotus Academic Institute.

2011 - iACADEMY was chosen by Solar Entertainment Corporation to be the official partner-school and workspace of the third season of Project Runway Philippines.[13][14] In 2019, the school becomes the first and only Toon Boom Center of Excellence in Asia.[15]

2015 - iACADEMY held the first 24-hour game competition called Battle League.[citation needed]

2016 - iACADEMY began offering specialized Senior High School programs.

2017 - iACADEMY began providing training and certification with UNITY, as a Certified Training and Certification Partner. It also became the official partner of the International Game Developers Association in hosting Manila Game Jam 2017 as part of the Global Game Jam in January 2017. [citation needed]

2019 - iACADEMY partnered with PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Accountancy program under the School of Business and Liberal Arts. iACADEMY was also recognized as the first and only Toon Boom Center of Excellence in Asia, the leading supplier of animation software and storyboard software for animation studios and media publishers. [citation needed]

iACADEMY and PythonPH partnered in hosting PyCon APAC 2019, the largest gathering of Python developers in the Asia-Pacific region. [citation needed]

iACADEMY became the first educational institution partner of the Department of Tourism (DOT), and developed a mobile application that houses the travel website of the Philippines, augmented reality promotional materials, films featuring the provinces and the Philippines’ first social distancing app called "Maze". [citation needed]

iACADEMY formed a partnership with Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò (MusKKat) where students contributed to the development of MusKKat's marketing plans, promotional and computing materials to raise awareness on the notable Philippine indigenous artifacts. [citation needed]

It also sealed a partnership with Unilab in October 2019 where college students are given the chance to come up with outputs aligned with improving the lives of Unilab's community partners and supporting Unilab's business objectives.

Same year, iACADEMY inked its partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in the promotion of a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines. CCC exhibited 30 of the students’ designs in CTRL+S Now: A Print Exhibition on Climate Change Awareness and Action during Climate Change Consciousness Week. [citation needed]

In 2020, iACADEMY also established a partnership with Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. [citation needed]

2022 - iACADEMY x ASUS Edukasyon partnership was launched, in cooperation with the School of Business and Liberal Arts. [citation needed]

2023 - iACADEMY launched iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab, which was supported by Netflix. It aims to support voices in the Philippines that have strong regional perspectives by providing young filmmakers with development opportunities to strengthen concepts and to produce short narratives, animation and documentary projects. [citation needed]

In the same year, iACADEMY inked partnerships with corporations from diverse industries, ranging from marketing and finance to technology, game development, and animation. Among these companies are global marketing services firms McCann and Mullenlowe Treyna, financial services providers Macquarie, Metrobank, and Sunlife, video game publisher Ubisoft, technology corporations ASUS and Huawei, animation production house Toon City, as well as the esteemed Unilab pharmaceutical company.[citation needed]

Academics

[edit]

The college offers three Senior High School tracks, offering nine programs, three schools that offer twelve undergraduate degree programs, and two programs under the 2nd Degree Fast-Track. These programs offered include fields mainly in arts, computer science, and business management.

SHS Strands

[edit]

There are three tracks that are being offered in iACADEMY. First is the Academic Track, which offers three strands in Accountancy Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Robotics. Second is the Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Track, which offers four strands in Computer Programming (Software Development), Animation, Fashion Design, and Graphic Illustration, and the last is the Arts and Design Track that offers two strands in Multimedia Arts and Audio Production.

School of Computing

[edit]

The School of Computing is the first IBM Center of Excellence (CoE) in the ASEAN region and the official Microsoft Training Center in the Philippines. The school offers five Bachelor of Science degrees in Software Engineering, Game Development, Web Development, Cloud Computing and Data Science.

School of Business and Liberal Arts

[edit]

The School of Business and Liberal Arts offers two Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing Management, a 2nd Degree Fast Track Program in Real Estate Management and one Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

School of Design and the Arts

[edit]

The School of Design and the Arts is the first to offer an Animation program in the Philippines and is the first Toon Boom Center of Excellence in Asia. It is also partnered with Wacom Authorized Training Partners to provide students with the latest technologies. The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Animation, and four Bachelor of Arts degrees in Multimedia Arts and Design, Fashion Design and Technology, Film and Visual Effects, and Music Production and Sound Design.

Student life

[edit]

The Senior High School program follows the semester calendar which usually starts from August and ends in June, while the college follows a trimester calendar starting from July. New students are welcomed at SOAR (Student Orientation and Registration). An event that is held a week before the start of classes, to introduce the students around the campus.

Traditions

[edit]
  • SOAR (Student Orientation and Registration) - An event to orient new students to the school
  • Creative Camp - Free art workshops
  • Battle League - Gaming competition to promote the Game Development industry

Student organizations

[edit]

Senior High School

[edit]
  • Anime Habu
  • Basic Integrated Theater Arts Guild of iACT (BiTAG)
  • CTRL Dance Troupe
  • iACADEMY Junior Software Developers (iJSD)
  • iACADEMY Student Council (CS)
  • Interactive Media and Gaming Guild
  • Magnates - SHS Chapter
  • OCTAVE - SHS Chapter
  • Prima - SHS Chapter
  • SiLAKBO
  • Sining na Naglilikha ng Buhay (SinLikHay)
  • Student Athletes Society - SHS Chapter
  • The Spines
  • Vektor
  • VELOCiTY - SHS Chapter
  • Young Filmmakers Society of iACADEMY (YFS)
  • Luminexus Theater Organization

College

[edit]
  • RHYTHM
  • Creative Society
  • Filmmakers Society of iACADEMY (FSi)
  • iACADEMY Making Positive Action (iMPACT)
  • iACADEMY Photography Society (Optics)
  • iACADEMY Student Council (CSO)
  • iACADEMY Junior Marketing Association (iJMA)
  • iACT
  • International Games Developers Association of iACADEMY (IGDA)
  • Magnates - College Chapter
  • OCTAVE - College Chapter
  • Pikzel Graphic Design
  • Prima - College Chapter
  • iACADEMY Compile formerly known as Software Engineering through Academics and Leadership (SEAL)
  • Student Athletes Society - College Chapter
  • The Game Changers Press (Official Student Publication)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
iACADEMY is a private, non-sectarian higher education institution in the , founded in 2002, that specializes in industry-aligned programs in , , , and . It offers senior high school strands and undergraduate degrees focused on practical, hands-on learning to prepare students for dynamic careers in , , and . Established with a mission to reinvent and foster innovation, iACADEMY emphasizes a developed in partnership with industry leaders, featuring real-world projects, mentorship from experts, and a 96% graduate employment rate. The institution operates two main campuses: the flagship in City, a hub for business and creative sectors, and another in , with plans for a third campus to expand access. iACADEMY's senior high school includes specialized strands such as Accountancy, Business and Management; Arts and Design; Software Development; Animation; and Robotics, while undergraduate offerings encompass degrees like BS in Computer Science (with majors in Software Engineering, Cloud Computing, and Data Science), BS in Business Administration (Marketing Management and e-Management), BS in Animation, BA in Multimedia Arts and Design, and BS in Accountancy. Notable for its innovative approach, the school has received multiple awards, including the Most Innovative Education Provider in the Philippines from Global Brands Magazine (2021) and International Business Magazine (2021), and recognition as the top-performing school in the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination by the Professional Regulation Commission (2025).

History

Founding and Early Years

iAcademy was established in 2002 in , , as the Academy, with the aim of addressing the skills mismatch between higher education graduates and industry demands in technology and creative fields. The institution was founded under the guidance of Eusebio H. Tanco, a prominent education and leader, Washington Z. Sycip, founder of SGV & Co., and a group of experts from and academia. Its inaugural campus was located along , where it began operations with an initial enrollment of 72 students. The founding programs focused on practical, industry-relevant education and included in major in e-Management, in major in , in major in Network Engineering, and in major in Digital Arts. In its early years, iAcademy rapidly expanded its student body and curriculum to meet growing demand for specialized training, prompting the addition of new courses and the formation of key industry partnerships, such as a collaboration with IBM Philippines to enhance computing education. The institution's emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world application helped it gain traction in the competitive Philippine education landscape. In 2005, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted full recognition to iAcademy's programs, affirming its compliance with national standards for higher education. By 2007, iAcademy introduced the in Animation program, becoming the first institution in the to offer this degree, which was also granted CHED approval. That same year, Vanessa L. Tanco, M.A., from the STI Education Systems Holdings, assumed management responsibilities, steering the school toward further innovation in blending , , and disciplines. These developments solidified iAcademy's position as a pioneer in specialized during its formative period.

Milestones and Partnerships

iAcademy was founded in as the Academy by a group of academics and experts aiming to bridge the skills gap in the Philippine , which had contributed to high rates of 10.1% and over 3 million affected individuals between 1990 and 2000. The institution initially enrolled 72 students and focused on specialized programs in , , and to promote through output-based education and industry-aligned curricula. In 2016, STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., led by the Tanco family, acquired full control of iAcademy for P113.5 million. Key milestones include the celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2022, highlighting two decades of collaboration with industry leaders to enhance graduate job placement, achieving a 96% rate within six months of graduation. In 2023, iAcademy expanded by inaugurating its Cebu campus on January 21, responding to growing demand and positioning Cebu as a creative hub with programs in technology and design. The institution has also earned international recognition, such as the Global Brands Magazine Award for Most Innovative Education Provider in 2020 and the World Business Outlook Awards for the same category in 2021. iAcademy's partnerships emphasize practical training and social impact, with a long-standing collaboration with since 2009 as an Authorized Training Partner, providing students access to professional graphics tools and workshops for design programs. In 2019, iAcademy joined 30 industry partners, including , in a to advance game-changing through internships and real-world projects. More recently, a 2024 partnership with launched the iNDIEGENIUS program, offering P500,000 film production grants and mentorship to emerging Filipino filmmakers from regional and indigenous communities. Through its Co-Create initiative, iAcademy collaborates with entities like the Department of Tourism on apps for cultural promotion, the Climate Change Commission on exhibitions such as CTRL+S Now in 2019, and for pharmaceutical packaging innovations addressing community health. Other partners include Adarna House for reimagining literary works, for creation, and indigenous cultural organizations like Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò. In 2025, iAcademy partnered with the Department of Education and Department of to donate laptops and connectivity to 100 remote schools in , enhancing digital access in underserved areas. These alliances integrate a 960-hour requirement, where students pitch projects to partners, fostering high and innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Campuses

Makati Campus

The iAcademy Makati Campus, the institution's flagship location, is situated at iAcademy Nexus along Yakal Street in City, . Originally established on , the campus relocated to Buendia Avenue in 2014 to support expanding operations before opening its current, larger facility in 2018 to accommodate rapid enrollment growth. This strategic positioning in the heart of Metro Manila's business district provides students with close proximity to industry partners and opportunities for practical exposure. The campus has evolved significantly since its inception, with initial offerings in 2005 focusing on technology and creative programs such as , Network Engineering, e-Management, and Digital Arts. A landmark addition was the introduction of the in Animation in 2007, marking the first such program in the and emphasizing hands-on, industry-aligned training. Enrollment surged exponentially following the launch of Senior High School programs in 2016, reflecting the campus's adaptation to the K-12 educational framework and broader accessibility for pre-college students. Facilities at the Makati Campus are designed to foster innovation and collaboration, featuring modern studios, labs, and collaborative spaces tailored for , , and disciplines. The building, in particular, includes specialized areas like and game development labs equipped with professional-grade software and hardware. These resources support a range of undergraduate and senior high school programs, including Game Development, Management, , , , and Accountancy, all delivered through an model. The campus has garnered recognition for its forward-thinking approach, earning designations as an , a training center, a partner for Accountancy, and a , alongside accolades such as Most Innovative School. These partnerships enhance relevance and provide students with certifications and real-world project opportunities, underscoring the campus's role in bridging and industry needs in the .

Cebu Campus

The iAcademy Cebu Campus, the institution's first regional expansion beyond its Makati headquarters, opened in January 2023 to bring specialized technology and design education closer to students in the Visayas region. Situated in the heart of Cebu IT Park, the campus is located on the 5th floor of Filinvest Cebu Cyberzone Tower 2 at Salinas Drive corner W. Geonzon Street, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, providing convenient access to the city's burgeoning tech ecosystem. This strategic placement aligns with iAcademy's emphasis on industry proximity, enabling graduates to meet local and regional demands in creative and technical fields, as noted by Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitch Andaya. The campus offers a curated selection of undergraduate programs tailored to high-demand industries, including , Game Development, Real Estate Management, , and Arts and Design. These programs mirror the rigorous, non-traditional curriculum of the campus, focusing on practical skills and real-world application to produce industry-ready professionals. With a capacity to accommodate up to 500 students, the facility enrolled around 200 students in its inaugural year, with tuition fees ranging from P70,000 to P85,000 per term as of 2025. Facilities at the Cebu Campus are designed for immersive, technology-driven learning, featuring high-tech classrooms equipped with advanced tools, a multipurpose hall for events and collaborations, specialized spaces such as a Cintiq room for digital artistry, a light box room for , a for , and computer laboratories, and a dedicated lounge. This setup ensures the same standard of quality and as the campus, fostering an environment that encourages and technical proficiency among students. As of 2025, iACADEMY is planning to establish a third campus in the , pending evaluation of the Cebu campus performance.

Academics

Senior High School Programs

iAcademy's Senior High School (SHS) programs serve as a preparatory stage for students entering , , and fields, aligning with the Philippine K-12 while emphasizing industry-relevant skills. Offered at both and campuses, these programs cater to Grades 11 and 12, fostering practical competencies through and real-world applications. The integrates core subjects with specialized tracks, preparing students for higher education or direct entry into creative and technical professions. The school offers nine specialized strands under the broader DepEd tracks of Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), , General Academic Strand (GAS), Arts and Design, and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL). These include Accountancy, Business and Management for financial and entrepreneurial skills; Animation and Multimedia Arts under Arts and Design for production; Audio Production for sound techniques; for programming and IT fundamentals; and Graphic Illustration for creative ; Humanities and Social Sciences for critical thinking in people-oriented fields like and communication; and for and automation basics. For instance, the strand covers topics such as data structures, programming, , and , culminating in student-led projects like app development. Similarly, the HUMSS strand explores applied social sciences, , , and to build skills for education and communication careers. A distinctive feature of iAcademy's SHS curriculum is its use of through the GAME framework, which incorporates interactive elements to enhance engagement, alongside Elevated Learning Experiences (ELX) for advanced, scaffolded skill-building. This approach promotes holistic development, including co-curricular activities, guidance, and immersions with industry partners, ensuring students apply knowledge to solve real-world problems. The programs boast a 96% job placement rate for graduates, attributed to the specialized, hands-on training that bridges academic learning with professional demands. To accommodate diverse learning needs, iAcademy introduced the DRIVE (Design for Remote, Individualized Versatile Education) program in 2021, enabling fully , asynchronous delivery with self-paced modules, flexible subject selection, and optional consultations—up to 30 hours annually—to support busy schedules and personalized progress. This flexible model complements the on-campus offerings, maintaining the same rigorous standards while allowing students to thrive in varied environments. Overall, the SHS programs position iAcademy as a leader in innovative , with graduates often advancing to the institution's undergraduate degrees in aligned fields.

School of Computing

The School of Computing at iACADEMY is a specialized academic unit dedicated to preparing students for careers in through hands-on, industry-aligned programs in , , and emerging digital technologies. Established as part of iACADEMY's focus on , the school emphasizes practical skills in areas such as , game development, and web technologies, fostering collaboration with industry partners to bridge academic learning and professional demands. The school offers several undergraduate degree programs designed to address the evolving needs of the tech sector. These include the in Entertainment and Computing (BSEMC) major in Game Development, which covers , programming, and production techniques for interactive entertainment and applications; the in (BSCS) in , spanning 11 trimesters and focusing on systematic , development, and maintenance using engineering principles; the BSCS in , which explores , distributed systems, and cloud architectures to support initiatives; the BSCS in , integrating mathematics, statistics, and for extracting insights from complex datasets; and the in (BSIT) in , emphasizing the creation and deployment of web-based applications over 11 trimesters. iACADEMY was among the first institutions in the to introduce degree programs in and Game Development, setting a precedent for specialized . The curriculum prioritizes advanced computing concepts alongside practical training in tools like virtual reality, game engines, and secure coding practices, ensuring students gain real-world experience through projects and internships. Strategic partnerships enhance this approach, including collaborations with (AWS) for training, which positions students at the forefront of industry standards, and for access to over 3,800 online courses in relevant tech topics. Facilities include state-of-the-art labs equipped for , game development, and , supporting immersive learning environments. In terms of outcomes, graduates from the School of Computing achieve high , with a 2022 tracer study reporting a 98% job placement rate in field-related roles within one year of graduation. The school has also garnered recognition for its contributions to tech education, including international awards from the International Business Magazine in the UAE for innovative programs in and . Additionally, iACADEMY students from the School of Computing made history in 2024 by winning the Grand Prize in the Cloud Track at the ICT Competition Global Finals, the first such achievement for a Philippine institution.

School of Business and Liberal Arts

The School of Business and Liberal Arts at iAcademy provides undergraduate programs that integrate disciplines with liberal arts, focusing on developing practical skills, , and industry readiness for students pursuing careers in , , , and analysis. These programs emphasize hands-on projects, real-world exposure through professional interactions, and curricula aligned with professional licensure requirements, bridging academic theory and practical application to produce competitive graduates. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with Specialization in Marketing Management equips students with expertise in creating and managing marketing campaigns, conducting , and developing integrated strategies. Upper-level courses incorporate practical projects that simulate real industry scenarios, fostering skills in and consumer behavior analysis. Graduates achieve a 96% job placement rate, preparing them for roles in , , and . The BSBA Major in e-Management addresses the demands of digital business environments by teaching students to leverage technology for business models, project management, and e-commerce operations. The curriculum covers digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and innovative management practices, enabling graduates to lead tech-integrated enterprises and adapt to evolving digital landscapes. The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management trains students in salesmanship, brokerage, property appraisal, and consultancy, with a focus on both technical and interpersonal skills essential for the real estate sector. Business degree holders can complete the program in three terms, while non-business graduates require five terms, based on transcript evaluation. The program boasts high passing rates on the Real Estate Brokers Licensure Exam, including 94.83% in April 2024 and 94.29% in 2025, with iAcademy recognized as the top-performing school for the third consecutive year in 2025. Notable achievements include 11 topnotchers in the Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Exam (August 2024), six in the Brokers exam (April 2024), six in the Brokers exam (September 2022), and multiple top 10 placements in 2025 such as Top 6, Top 7, and Top 8. The Bachelor of Arts in (BA Psychology) aligns with CHED Memorandum Order No. 34 and emphasizes scientific principles for understanding and cognitive processes, with a strong orientation toward management. Key courses include Industrial Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Abnormal Psychology, and Theories of Personality, preparing students for the Psychometrician licensure exam and careers in HR staffing, development, and organizational psychology. The program reports a 96% job placement rate and is supported by credentialed faculty such as registered psychologists. The in Accountancy (BSA) delivers a four-year education in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and , targeting preparation for the (CPA) licensure exam. It covers applications in public practice, , , and , equipping graduates for professional roles in accounting firms, corporations, and regulatory bodies. Overall, the school's programs prioritize adaptability, leadership, and , with curricula designed to meet industry needs through experiences and licensure-focused training, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to and societal advancement.

School of Design and the Arts

The School of and the Arts at iAcademy provides undergraduate programs that blend creative expression with technological proficiency, aiming to develop innovative professionals for the global . Established as part of iAcademy's commitment to industry-aligned , the school emphasizes ethical practices, , and social impact in its curricula, fostering graduates who can address real-world challenges in and media. The school offers five programs: in Fashion Design and Technology (11 terms), which covers traditional and sustainable methods in design, production, retailing, and ; in Multimedia Arts and Design (11 terms), focusing on , , , and branding; in Animation (11 terms), centered on 2D and 3D techniques using professional software; in Music Production and Sound Design (12 terms), exploring audio engineering, composition, and multimedia integration; and in Film and Visual Effects (12 terms), addressing storytelling, cinematography, and post-production. These programs are delivered at iAcademy's and campuses, incorporating hands-on projects and internships to build practical skills. The curriculum integrates digital tools and interdisciplinary approaches, such as using , Animation software, and Cintiq tablets for training in and . Faculty members, often industry practitioners, guide through collaborative environments that simulate professional workflows, emphasizing in areas like and cultural storytelling. Notable achievements include and filmmakers Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvador winning Best Director for Tumandok at the 48th in 2025, a project supported by iAcademy's iNDEGENIUS Project Lab with 11 nominations overall. Additionally, iNDIEGENIUS grantee Kyla Romero became the first Filipina director selected for the Short Film Competition in 2025 with her film Agapito. In , Laurence Obona has gained recognition for redefining through fusion techniques, while faculty and contributions include designing iAcademy's academic regalia. These successes highlight the school's role in nurturing award-winning talent in Philippine creative arts.

Student Life

Traditions and Events

iAcademy cultivates a dynamic through a series of annual events and that promote , cultural awareness, and among students. These activities, integrated into the academic calendar, provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents, collaborate across disciplines, and connect with Filipino heritage in innovative ways. The UG SOAR (Undergraduate Student Orientation and Registration) serves as a , welcoming freshmen each August with interactive sessions, policy announcements, and team-building exercises to ease the transition to life. In 2025, the event launched the school's , emphasizing accessibility and collaboration. Cultural preservation is highlighted during Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa in , where students participate in language-focused activities, storytelling workshops, and performances to celebrate and safeguard Filipino linguistic heritage. This observance aligns with national efforts to promote through . The School of Design and the Arts (SODA) Week, held annually in late September to early October, stands as a flagship event blending tradition with digital innovation. Themed around Filipino arts—such as "HIRAYA: Creative Kalayaan" in 2025—it features student exhibitions, cultural workshops on indigenous crafts like , runway shows, and discussions on evolving creative identities in the digital era. Business Week, occurring in September, fosters entrepreneurial spirit through pitch competitions, interactive simulations, and industry talks, allowing students from the School of Business and Liberal Arts to present innovative ideas and network with professionals. Seasonal traditions include the student-led Halloween celebration, a weeklong event in October that encourages creative expression through themed narratives, costumes, and performances centered on embracing uniqueness, such as the 2025 "Paranormal HEXperience." The annual Christmas Tree Lighting in November marks the holiday season with communal gatherings, live performances, and festive decorations, as seen in the November 7, 2025, event that lit up the campus and built school spirit. Competitive events like Battle League, a 24-hour gaming held in May, draw participants for esports challenges in titles such as and Mobile Legends, promoting teamwork and technical skills since its inception in 2015. Re-Fashion Week, typically in the spring, showcases designs by students, emphasizing eco-conscious practices through runway presentations and workshops. Culminating the year, ceremonies at venues like honor achievements with cap-and-gown processions, speeches, and awards, celebrating the largest cohorts in the school's . These traditions collectively reinforce iAcademy's commitment to holistic development beyond academics.

Student Organizations

iAcademy maintains a vibrant array of student organizations designed to enhance skills, foster , and build among its senior high school and college students. These groups operate under the guidance of the Office of and Services (OSAS), which supports their formation and activities while encouraging students to establish new organizations aligned with school policies. The Central Student Organization (CSO) serves as the overarching body for college-level groups, coordinating events, advocacy, and inter-organizational collaborations to represent student interests. At the senior high school level, organizations focus on strand-specific interests to complement academic tracks in , , , and . The Junior Software Developers Organization (iJSD-SHS) is the official group for students in the Software Development strand, providing opportunities for coding practice, skill-building workshops, and networking among tech enthusiasts. Similarly, OCTAVE-SHS, founded in , acts as the music organization, hosting jam sessions, , and collaborative projects to nurture musical talent and campus involvement. Other SHS groups include CTRL (), iACMedia (music and audio production), and iSO (sports), which promote extracurricular engagement tailored to creative and athletic pursuits. College-level organizations span professional and creative domains, often tying into iAcademy's emphasis on industry-aligned skills. COMPILE, formerly known as SEAL (Software Engineering through Academics and Leadership), is the official of the School of and drives innovation in through academic events, , and collaborative projects that bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. The organization initiated the iAcademy Battle League, a 24-hour gaming tournament first held in 2015. SEAL has hosted or supported various events, including the 2010 Mini Filipino Flash Conference (MiniFFC) at iAcademy's Makati campus, esports tournaments in partnership with Garena as a member of the League of Legends Collegiate League, participation in PyCon PH 2019, serving as marshal for the Global Game Jam in collaboration with IGDA Philippines, sessions at DroidCon PH, a Blockchain Campus event in 2020, and involvement in Drupal Camp PH. iNSIGHT, established in 2019 as the , emphasizes mental wellness, empathy-building initiatives, and seminars to support well-being. In the arts and fields, Pikzel, active since , is the graphic that encourages portfolio development and creative showcases, while PRIMA functions as the , organizing events and competitions for enrolled fashion students. RHYTHM, the dance since 2003, hosts sessions and performances to refine skills and promote cultural expression. Additional groups like FSi (Filmmakers ), Optics ( ), Elix (), and The Moonlight Tavern (tabletop roleplaying games) offer specialized outlets for , , competitive gaming, and narrative gaming communities, respectively, with activities including workshops, competitions, and seminars to engage shared interests. Students may join multiple organizations to broaden their experiences, contributing to a dynamic that extends beyond academics.

Achievements and Recognition

Licensure and Academic Performance

iACADEMY Cebu Campus, having opened in 2023, offers programs including , which prepares students for the Professional Regulation Commission's (PRC) licensure examinations for real estate brokers and appraisers. As part of the broader iACADEMY network, its students benefit from the institution's established track record in these exams. In the 2025 Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination, iACADEMY achieved a 94.29% passing rate, the highest among participating schools nationwide, with 35 passers including seven topnotchers. Similarly, in the 2025 Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination, the institution recorded an 86.67% passing rate, again ranking as the top performing school. These results reflect the curriculum's alignment with industry standards and PRC requirements, applicable to Cebu campus graduates in the program. For other programs such as Software Engineering, Game Development, Animation, and Multimedia Arts and Design, which do not require PRC licensure, academic performance is evidenced by strong employability outcomes. iACADEMY Cebu reports a 96% job placement rate for its graduates, facilitated by hands-on training, industry partnerships, and over 500 additional instructional hours beyond Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards. This high placement underscores the campus's focus on practical skills, with students gaining access to professional tools and real-world projects from enrollment. The campus's growth to 235 students and 18 faculty in its second year further indicates robust academic delivery and student satisfaction. In Senior High School programs, which feed into college tracks, iACADEMY Cebu emphasizes foundational skills in and , contributing to the overall academic . While specific metrics for the nascent are emerging, the institution's network-wide emphasis on supports consistent performance, as seen in prior years' recognitions for student projects in software and competitions.

Awards and Industry Collaborations

iAcademy has garnered several international awards recognizing its innovative educational model and commitment to industry-aligned training. In 2020, the institution received multiple accolades from Global Brands Magazine, including the Most Innovative Education Provider in the , alongside prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT, and . These awards highlighted iAcademy's forward-thinking curriculum in fields like , , and creative arts. Building on this, in 2021, iAcademy was honored by the International Business Magazine in the with recognitions as the Most Innovative Education Provider in the . These awards underscored the school's emphasis on practical, job-ready skills through and real-world applications. In 2025, iAcademy earned the Business Excellence Certificate from THE BIZZ Awards, recognizing its outstanding business performance and innovative practices. iAcademy's strong industry collaborations form a cornerstone of its educational framework, enabling a reported 96% job placement rate for graduates within six months. Key partnerships include the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) for accountancy programs, and Avid for music production and , through the iNDIEGENIUS program providing grants and to aspiring Filipino filmmakers from regional and indigenous communities, and the Linux Professional Institute to certify students in open-source technologies, enhancing employability in tech sectors. The Co-Create program further exemplifies these efforts by pairing students with organizations like for product design projects, the Department of for promotional films and applications, for cultural-themed digital assets, and the Climate Change Commission for sustainability initiatives addressing single-use plastics.

References

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