Performance Highlights
Outlook and Strategy
One of the key challenges in 2021 was the very significant impact of the second year of COVID on the Private Basic Education sector. Enrollment in SY 21-22 was down 39% vs SY 20-21 and 52% vs SY 19-20. Over 2 million children have dropped out of the sector since the onset of the pandemic, and either migrated to free public schools or dropped out of schooling completely.
Across both Basic and Higher Education, COVID health risks, community lockdowns, mobility restrictions, sharply reduced household incomes, limited connectivity, and mental health issues for students, families, and employees created a very difficult operating environment in 2021.
The outlook appears to be more positive for 2022, due to the roll out of vaccines nationwide, the ramp down of Omicron, the loosening of mobility and other restrictions, and the recovery of the economy. As a result, limited face to face classes are being rolled out in early 2022. However, the situation could reverse if a new variant emerges that cannot be contained by the current vaccines.
Implement a hybrid model of distance and onsite learning
Each school runs engaging programs for both distance and partial face-to-face learning while core transactions can be done off site seamlessly, as part of the shift to the new normal.
Improve learning outcomes
Learning outcomes are measured by:
- Students’ performance in exams
- Employability
- External quality assurance and recognition
Deploy synergies across the IPO system to improve student value proposition and efficiency
Leverage schools’ and shareholders’ strengths
Capitals
Financial
Strong principals in the Ayala and Yuchengco Groups who can provide capital to support increases in capacity, transform facilities, integrate technology, and strengthen human capital.
Manufactured
Facilities, technologies, and classrooms aimed at providing quality and accessible education.
Intellectual
Progressive and outcomes-based curriculum with strong emphasis on English and Tech mastery, critical thinking, and employability
Tertiary schools have curricula with focus on applied research
In-house program designed in collaboration with the industry aimed at accelerating student development
Social and Relationship
Strong relationships with all stakeholders
Human
Faculty and staff who are competent, nurturing, and progressive
How We Create Value
Modern and relevant content and curriculum
Integrated experiential education for employment model
Meaningful employer partnerships
Comprehensive career placement services
Intensive engagement with students
Enhanced student enrollment growth through:
Quality student and graduate outcomes
Improved student retention
Strong brands
Upgraded sales and marketing initiatives
Emphasis on talent development, faculty retooling and upskilling
Continuous leadership development program
MCL launched a blended learning set up as a response to the current needs of schooling.
The Value We Create
Strategy
2021 Achievements
2021 Financial Performance
2022 Priorities
Implement a hybrid model of distance and onsite learning
Improve learning outcomes
Deploy synergies across the IPO system to improve student value proposition and efficiency
Schools were able to improve student experience while ensuring outcomes are met.
Mapúa obtained 100% passing rates in both the 2021 Psychometrician Board Examination and the Mechanical Engineering Correlation Course Performance.
Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) achieved 100% passing rates in the Electrical Engineering Board Exam, IE Certification Exam, Marine Transportation, and Marine Engineering Certification Exam.
Successfully launched highly differentiated employer partnership programs involving 654 students (261% of target)
MCL became the second school in the Philippines to be certified/qualified for ISO21001 and was adjudged as 2021 Most Outstanding School in Laguna
NTC was certified as one of a handful of learning service providers for National Educators Academy of the Philippines, DepEd’s main vehicle for upskilling its nearly 1 million teachers, supervisors, and school leaders.
Expanded industry immersion opportunities for students
Continued to identify areas for synergy and innovation across schools
Organized first iPeople wide conference on Best Practices in Digital Education
Consolidated revenues grew 11% to ₱3.4 billion
EBITDA grew by 54% to ₱1.2 billion
Net Income more than doubled from ₱242 million to ₱664 million
High school enrollment dropped 22% to 8,230, consistent with the experience of the private Basic Education sector in the Philippines
College enrollment grew 11% to over 46,000, driven largely by a strong 43% growth in freshmen
Total student enrollment grew by 4% to over 54,000
Continue to adapt to our rapidly changing environment while maintaining focus on constant innovation and continuous improvement in our students’ learning experience.
Adapt the implementation of our innovative blended learning models to the new limited face-to-face learning regulations.
Maintain students’ good performance in board examinations
Continue achieving better employability results
Work towards achieving higher accreditations for our schools
Grow industry partnerships and student immersion programs
Roll out more innovation projects, synergies, and research across the iPeople ecosystem focusing on Outcomes Based Education
2021 Focus Areas: Blended Learning Innovations and Student Experience
In 2021, iPeople responded to the continuing Learning Crisis by launching innovations in blended learning and focusing strongly on our students’ learning experience. With established advanced instructional technology practices already in place, our schools introduced diverse new initiatives in the academically demanding digital learning space.
Mapúa’s UOx (Ubiquitous Online Experience)
Mapúa’s most recent undertaking in digital education is the launching of Mapúa UOx. This is Mapúa’s initiative in delivering fully online bachelor’s degree and graduate programs through its very own platform Cardinal EDGE or Education in a Digital and Global Environment.
The Mapúa UOx programs are facilitated through Mapúa’s strong digital capabilities composed of powerful educational tools and vast and up-to-date online learning resources. This expands the reach of its education globally, bringing Mapúa closer to Filipinos everywhere.
MCL’s Game-Changing Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC)
In late 2021, MCL launched MMDC, an affordable digital-first offering that delivers cutting-edge online classes and offline experiences designed for the modern Filipino student.
MMDC incorporates a new learning model that directly answers students’ wants and needs in the new normal, with these key features:
Courses for Employability: focuses on areas that are in-demand by both students and industry
Curriculum for the Real World: helps students develop not just technical skills but also soft skills
Learning Hubs: provides modern collaboration spaces where students can meet, collaborate, participate in clubs, and more. MMDC’s first two Learning Hubs will be located at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Quezon City and Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
MMDC is offering a Pioneer Scholarship where the first 750 enrolled students will be granted partial tuition discounts.
APEC Schools: The Country’s Only Google Reference School
APEC was awarded by Google as its first and only Reference School in the Philippines because of APEC’s extensive utilization of Google Apps and Chromebooks. APEC now enjoys benefits such as testing new Google products before they hit the market, and early exposure to emerging best practices in the application of new technologies to education globally.
APEC Schools will continue to build upon the digital skills that teachers and students have gained from using Google for Education, to foster independent learning.
NTC’s Focus on Student Experience Results in Significant Growth in Net Promoter Score
The many challenges of the pandemic necessitated an even greater focus on the learning experience of our students. NTC focused on two areas in particular:
Better Learning System: The introduction of the cyclical semester in the undergraduate department helped its students manage their academic load better, thus enabling them to learn better.
Better Customer Service: Regular and intensive dialogue with student leaders helped NTC to understand its customers much better, and to address their pain points. The exercise paved the way for NTC to launch its Student Action Center that addresses its clientele’s concerns in a timelier and more effective manner.
Through a better learning system and better customer service, NTC’s Net Promoter Score increased significantly over the last three years despite the many challenges posed by COVID.