iACADEMY pioneers first digital media management degree in PH
(L-R) Clarence Gomez, senior manager of admissions and corporate communication of iACADEMY; Bran Reluao, founder and CEO of Republic Asia; Raquel Perez-Wong, president and COO of iACADEMY; Richard Juan, CEO and cofounder of 28 Squared Studios; and JV Padua, dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts of iACADEMY.
MAKATI, Philippines — iACADEMY has officially launched the Philippines’ first Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Management, aiming to transform today’s content creators into tomorrow’s digital entrepreneurs.
The new program is launched as the country continues to dominate global social media activity, with more than 90.8 million active users — roughly 78 percent of the population — spending hours daily on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, according to data shared by iACADEMY.
Raquel Perez Wong, president and COO of iACADEMY, emphasized the urgent need to pair creativity with responsibility in the digital age.
“The digital frontier has exploded. Over 90.8 million Filipinos are online, each with a voice and a platform. But in this unfiltered age of ‘virality,’ we face an urgent crisis: misinformation spreads faster than facts, creators chase clout over credibility, and ethics are often sacrificed for engagement. We are nurturing millions of users, but not enough responsible digital citizens. This is the challenge,” Wong said.
iACADEMY President and COO Raquel Perez-Wong officially announces the launch of BS in Digital Management, the first in the Philippines
She also said that the program is designed to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“We are seeing the rise of a new kind of entrepreneur — one who starts with a phone and a vision, and builds a brand from scratch. Our goal is to give these visionaries the tools to succeed not only creatively, but strategically,” she added.
Guests at the launch included Republic Asia Founder and CEO Bran Reluao and multi-platform influencer Richard Juan, both advocates for digital entrepreneurship.
The degree program covers a broad spectrum of subjects — from content strategy, marketing, and platform analytics, to ethical practices and business monetization — reflecting the complex demands of the fast-evolving digital economy.
Wong sais that unlike traditional business or media courses, the digital media management degree integrates technology, entrepreneurship, and ethics into a single framework that prepares students for a variety of paths: launching personal brands, leading corporate digital efforts, or joining international organizations.
Another Group shot of IACADEMY officials
“Filipino creators are already among the best in the region,” Wong said. “What we are doing is strengthening their foundation so they can move beyond viral trends and build lasting, scalable enterprises.”
JV Padua, dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts, stressed the relevance of the new degree to the aspirations of the younger generation.
“Recent studies show that 1 in 4 Filipinos aged 16 to 34 now aspire to become full-time content creators. We are one of the most active social media populations globally, and it’s time we start building the foundation for creators to grow with strategy, business acumen, and long-term vision,” Padua said.
By providing both creative and commercial training, the new program aims to help students turn passion into profession, equipping them not just to succeed, but to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
