26 March 2026
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wissen International Pte Ltd on March 23, with EC-Council representatives present. The agreement links Benilde with EC-Council, the world’s largest cybersecurity certification body, and Wissen, its exclusive distributor in Asia-Pacific. Together, they are opening new pathways for students and professionals to gain industry-recognized credentials.
Chancellor Benhur Ong spoke about the importance of preparing students for the demands of the digital world. “Our students will gain access to official EC-Council coursework, immersive labs, and structured learning pathways that will mirror real world environments,” he said. He added that faculty members will also benefit from certification pathways and training opportunities, giving them the tools to teach with confidence and relevance.
Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson shared that the partnership will extend beyond the undergraduate program. “We’re starting with the cybersecurity students, but there are a whole lot more programs that may benefit from this partnership,” he said. He explained that Benilde plans to share these offerings with the external public and through self-paced platforms in continuing education.
Wissen International Managing Director Breyvan Tan described the collaboration as a way to connect international standards with local institutions. “The essential part of the MOU is really how we can come together bringing the international and world technology and certification credentials together with a locally well respected school and college like Benilde,” he said.
Benilde already has a strong record in cybersecurity. A pioneering advocate from the College recently won a prestigious ISC² award, showing that Benilde graduates can achieve global recognition.
The College offers the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, a 10-trimester program that builds both technical and managerial expertise. Students learn how to design plans that manage threats using industry standards, implement security controls that protect information assets, and carry out recovery strategies that keep mission-critical functions running. The program also emphasizes ethical and social responsibility, preparing graduates to practice cybersecurity with integrity. Courses cover areas such as network security, vulnerability assessment, information security policy and governance, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. By the time they finish, students are ready to respond to incidents, assess risks, and guide organizations in protecting data and systems.
Benilde also offers the Executive Diploma Program in Cybersecurity and other Cybersecurity short courses through the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPaCE). This program equips learners with theories, principles, frameworks, and practices through classroom and laboratory exercises. The modules cover Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Offensive Security and Web Application Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity Defense, Security Operations, Governance and Risk Management, Security Architecture, Data Privacy and Protection, and Security Education and Awareness.
With EC-Council and Wissen, Benilde’s cybersecurity programs now connect academic preparation with industry-recognized certifications. Students and professionals can pursue pathways that are globally competitive and locally accessible. Chancellor Ong summed it up during the ceremony: “Today’s signing will be remembered as a milestone for a stronger, resilient, and innovative field like no other.”
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
