Stating The Truth!

'IBPC not a recruitment base for guest workers'

By Moneth Deposa
Reporter

The president of the International Business and Professional College defended the institution against allegations that it is being used as a recruitment base for foreign workers who are believed have entered the CNMI through the foreign student entry permits for many years.

“I can tell you that is not true,” Herman Sablan told Saipan Tribune Tuesday, adding that IBPC offers internship programs that are approved under Commonwealth statutes.

He said this is particularly true for nurses who are provided training at Saipan Health Clinic. After the training, it is up to the students to decide where they want to continue their training.

“But IBPC is not used as a recruitment base as claimed by certain individuals,” he said.

The programs they offer foreigners, Sablan said, are in line with regulations by and between the CNMI government and IBPC.

Saipan Tribune learned that IBPC is one of the only two privately-owned postsecondary institutions that were first sanctioned and licensed by the NMI State Licensing Board. The other is the Eucon International School.

Sablan emphasized that IBPC only accepts students that are approved by the Office of Immigration, which previously handled the foreign student regulations of the Commonwealth.

Saipan Tribune learned that the IBPC population soared this year and the programs for professional services increased in demand. In 2008, IBPC posted 717 enrollees, including foreign students. As of this week, 225 have registered with the college.

'Only the less-fortunate countries to be affected by new regulation'

In light of new regulations imposed on foreign students, the IBPC president believes the greater impact would be on poorer countries that have students enrolled in CNMI schools.

“Personally, I feel that the regulation on the insurance would be difficult for less fortunate countries,” he told Saipan Tribune.

On the health insurance requirement, Sablan is convinced that the policy should be in place but that it should be reasonable.

“The nationals who cannot afford insurance simply live day by day as they have saved to pay for their education. There should be some flexibility for adults who are here for studies, despite their origin,” he added.

The IBPC president said the CNMI should not impose too many restrictions that could kill the islands' fledgling edu-tourism sector.

Every Journey Begins with a Single Step!

IBPC, Saipan – International Business & Professional College paraphrases the Chinese proverb “every Journey Begins with a Single Step”. This works well with the students enrolled in the schools academic and professional programs only for that for most students would never have thought that a career path is laid out as they take that first step into IBPC.

IBPC stands for providing the needed educational opportunities to enhance individuals in their goals to achieve their career or simply the essentials in life such as language learning or special traits in hospitality. “These lifelong skills, special trainings and programs we offer can make a difference in a person’s life. Success is normally defined as a result of good education and properly applied skills,” stated Herman Sablan, President of IBPC.

IBPC partnering with eleven educational institutions including the Northern Mariana Trades Institute (NMTI) emphasizes that its students get the best bang for their buck when enrolled. “IBPC continues to expand beyond its horizon. We cater to each growing need in the community. We have excelled to providing the trained individuals to meet the growing concern of the CNMI’s workforce as we delve into full labor compliance with the Federal Government by 2014”, added Sablan.

IBPC serves the community in more ways than one. The population at IBPC soared in 2009 and the programs for professional services have increased in demand that can be applied in

the CNMI. “I have been a student enrolled at IBPC for sometime now and what I can say is IBPC helped me in a lot of ways. I am a registered nurse in the Philippines and I am taking up NCLEX review here on Saipan and I am an intern at the same time. The program taught me a lot of other experiences outside my chosen expertise. I am being trained in administration and management, leadership, work ethics, customer service and professional development. These trainings will enrich the professional and personal aspects of my life to reach my ultimate goal in the near future. Not only will I become a US-Registered Nurse but also an effective team leader, supervisor and manager someday”, stated Aiza Domingo, IBPC Student.

IBPC offers rewarding certificate programs, PSS certified credits to meet High School Diplomas, Skill training, professional preparedness courses for NCLEX, Hospitality certificate programs, Occupational Safety & Health Administration general training and more. These are just a few of what IBPC offers to the community.