(Celebrating 45 years of Leadership In Quality IT Education)

Manila, Philippines – As the Philippines rapidly embraces digital transformation, the stakes for national cybersecurity have never been higher. Rising cyber threats are putting both public and private sectors at risk, prompting a critical need for skilled professionals who can safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure. In response, AMA Education System is rolling out a game-changing initiative: AMA 2.0, a comprehensive, certification-aligned cybersecurity education track that starts as early as Grade 1 and continues through to professional post-graduate training.

Digital Defense Begins in Basic Education

AMA 2.0 introduces cybersecurity fundamentals in Basic Education (Grades 1–10) through the TLE curriculum. Here, students learn essential topics such as online safety, privacy awareness, responsible technology use, and digital ethics. The goal: to build digital discipline and a cybersecurity mindset from an early age, laying the groundwork for more advanced training in the future.

Senior High School: Raising Awareness and Resilience

In Senior High School (SHS), particularly under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track, students engage in practical cybersecurity modules. These include safe network and Safe Social Media

practices. While no global certifications are targeted at this stage, SHS students gain critical skills to develop digital resilience and readiness for future learning or careers in cybersecurity.

College-Level Certification Readiness

At the Tertiary Level, AMA’s cybersecurity offerings take a deeper and more specialized turn. Students may pursue a full Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BS Cybersecurity), a program designed to tackle a broad spectrum of cyber defense strategies, including ethical hacking, risk assessment, and real-world incident response.

For students enrolled in programs like BS in Information Technology (BSIT) or BS in Computer Science (BSCS), AMA offers a Cybersecurity Specialization Track. This curriculum injects technical depth into existing degrees with courses in secure coding, vulnerability testing, and security operations.

What makes AMA 2.0 distinct is its direct alignment with internationally recognized industry certifications, such as:

• • CompTIA Security+ (network security and threat management)
• • CompTIA CySA+ (threat detection and analysis)
• • CompTIA PenTest+ (penetration testing)

• EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• • Cisco CyberOps Associate (real-time security operations)

These certifications ensure AMA graduates are not just academically prepared—but globally competitive and job-ready.

Widening Reach through Flexible Tech Education

AMA University, through its nationwide AMAU Education Support and Admission Centers, brings quality tech education closer to every Filipino via its Open Distance Education Learning (ODEL) program. Staying true to its commitment to accessible and inclusive learning, AMA offers degree programs in BS Information Technology (BSIT) and BS Computer Science (BSCS), both featuring a specialization in Cybersecurity. This flexible learning model empowers students—whether they are working professionals, parents at home, or residents of remote communities—to earn top-tier credentials through a curriculum that matches on- campus standards and includes emerging fields like cybersecurity and other in-demand tech disciplines.

Post-Graduate Training for Professionals

Beyond traditional academic pathways, AMA also caters to working professionals through the Diploma in Cybercrime Security, a post-baccalaureate program under the Institute of Professional Studies. With 70% of its curriculum focused on hands-on training, this diploma uses simulation labs and real-world cybersecurity tools to upskill participants.

The program is aligned with globally respected certifications like CEH, Security+, and CySA+, allowing graduates to become immediately employable or transition into more specialized roles within the cybersecurity industry.

Leadership Speaks Out

“Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Kibet, Professor of Cybersecurity Studies at AMA. “With AMA 2.0, students and professionals earn globally recognized certifications that translate into real, rewarding careers.”

Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Chairman and Founder of AMA Education System, emphasized the broader vision: “AMA 2.0 reflects our firm belief that no Filipino learner should be left behind in the era of emerging technologies. We are investing in AI, Cybersecurity, and Cloud to produce innovators, not just employees.”

Why AMA 2.0 Matters

• • Starts cybersecurity education in Grade 1
• • Builds practical awareness and ethics in SHS
• • Offers a full BS Cybersecurity degree and Specialization Track
• • Aligns with top global certifications

In an age where cyberattacks can destabilize economies, governments, and individual lives, AMA 2.0 is responding with urgency and vision. More than just raising awareness, it is building a nation of certified defenders—Filipino experts ready to secure the digital frontlines of tomorrow.

Expanding CYBERSECURITY Education Nationwide

AMA University’s Cybersecurity specialization is accessible nationwide through its Education Support and Admission Centers, delivered under the flexible Open Distance Education Learning (ODeL) program. Students benefit from a hybrid setup—two days of face-to-face or flexible sessions combined with three days of virtual classes—making high- quality cybersecurity training available wherever they are.