President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former chairman of the Church Education System for almost a decade, met with business, information technology (IT), and workforce representatives in Cebu City last November 16, 2024.
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In an intimate meeting at the Lahug Stake Center in Cebu City, President Johnson, along with Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, met with over two dozen influential individuals who are considered "shakers and movers" in the city’s business and employment sectors.
Cebu City, the regional center of the Visayas group of islands, is a hub of thriving economic growth, contributing PHP1.38 trillion to the gross regional domestic product. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the country’s economic development and planning entity, has listed IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) as Cebu's most promising business ventures.
The meeting centered on introducing BYU-Pathway Worldwide to the industry leaders. It was explained that BYU-Pathway is a highly successful online institution of higher learning sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering access to degrees granted by Church-sponsored universities in the United States.
BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s mission is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. In 2024, BYU-Pathway served nearly 75,000 students in more than 180 countries.
President Johnson and Elder Strong also announced that in early 2025, BYU-Pathway will open a community resource center in Cebu City. This center will provide free resources and services to students, including access to high-speed internet, over 100 computers, equipment to practice skills students are learning online, and classes to improve English-speaking and writing skills, facilitated by volunteers.
The center's objectives include improving discipleship, helping students understand that marriage and starting families will strengthen the local community, providing opportunities for leadership, increasing students' access to technology, and boosting student retention.
President Johnson and Elder Strong also clarified that students do not need to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enroll in BYU-Pathway. Application to the center will be made available to those who have graduated from high school, regardless of their religious beliefs or affiliation.
Pending necessary government approvals, future plans include adding onsite career counseling, job placement facilitation, and technical training to further support students' career development.