MCU and Fortinet to enhance cybersecurity education in the Philippines
The partnership aims to provide students with industry-recognised certifications, preparing them to meet global cybersecurity standards.

Manila Central University (MCU) has partnered with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity, through its Academic Partner Program to address the growing talent shortage in the Philippines. That collaboration aims to equip students with essential skills to meet industry demands by integrating Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training and certification program into the university’s curriculum, either as coursework or standalone offerings.
Faculty members will receive advanced training, and students will benefit from guest lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on learning in areas like network security, malware analysis, and defence strategies. Additionally, the partnership includes establishing a state-of-the-art Cyber Innovation Lab to provide immersive learning experiences.
The initiative aligns with findings from Fortinet’s ‘Cybersecurity Skills Gap 2024 Global Research Report,’ which revealed that 94% of organisations in the Philippines experienced security breaches in 2023, with 77% partly attributed to a lack of cybersecurity skills. MCU joins nine other institutions, including Mapúa University and Mindanao State University-Sulu, in Fortinet’s nationwide effort to strengthen cybersecurity education.
The partnership also represents a significant step toward bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in the Philippines. By combining Fortinet’s expertise with MCU’s academic foundation, the program offers students industry-recognised certifications and practical knowledge needed to excel as cybersecurity professionals.
Why does it matter?
The initiative addresses immediate challenges highlighted in the report and strengthens the country’s capacity to defend against evolving digital threats, ensuring a robust pipeline of future professionals ready to meet global cybersecurity standards.