Privacy Policy

International Academy Manila

Institutional Data Privacy Policy

  1. I. Introduction

    International Academy Manila (IAM) highly values and upholds the privacy and security of all personal and sensitive information entrusted to us by our students, parents, employees, partners, and website users. This Data Privacy Policy outlines the Academy’s commitment to the principles of data privacy and protection in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. We aim to maintain transparency and accountability in how we collect, use, process, store, retain, and disclose personal information both online and offline.

    II. Objectives

    This Data Privacy Policy has the following objectives:

    1. To establish a structured framework for data protection practices within International Academy Manila;

    2. To ensure full compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and relevant regulations;

    3. To inform stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities concerning personal data;

    4. To promote accountability and transparency in the handling and processing of personal data;

    5. To prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or breach of personal data entrusted to IAM.

    III. Scope and Application

    This policy applies to all personal data collected by International Academy Manila through its official website (https://www.iamanila.edu.ph), digital platforms, administrative and academic systems, physical documents, and communication channels. It covers data obtained from students, applicants, parents/guardians, faculty members, staff, alumni, partner institutions, and other third-party entities engaged by the Academy.

    IV. Types of Data Collected

    IAM collects personal information to fulfill its academic, administrative, and operational obligations. These include, but are not limited to:

    1. Personal Identification Data – Name, date of birth, age, gender, nationality, civil status, government-issued IDs

    2. Contact Details – Address, email address, contact number, emergency contact

    3. Academic Records – Grades, school credentials, certificates, enrollment history, assessments

    4. Employment Data – CVs, educational background, employment history, clearances

    5. Financial Records – Billing details, payment history, bank account information for payroll or refunds

    6. Health and Safety Information – Medical records, immunization status, health declarations, accident reports

    7. Images and Multimedia – Photographs, videos, and recordings during events or school activities

    8. Website Usage Data – IP address, browser type, access times, pages visited (through cookies and analytics tools)

    V. Purpose of Data Collection and Processing

    The data collected is used exclusively for legitimate educational, operational, and institutional purposes, including:

    • Student registration, admissions, and enrollment

    • Academic instruction, curriculum planning, and performance assessment

    • Verification of credentials and academic records

    • Communication and engagement with stakeholders

    • Guidance, counseling, and student support services

    • Research, statistics, and institutional development

    • Personnel recruitment, employment processing, and HR management

    • Medical and safety monitoring

    • Marketing, promotions, and announcements of school-related programs

    • Compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements

    VI. Guideline Statements

    1. IAM will process personal data fairly and lawfully, ensuring the rights and freedoms of data subjects are respected at all times.

    2. Data will be collected for specified and legitimate purposes and will not be processed in ways incompatible with these purposes.

    3. Data accuracy will be maintained through regular updates and verification.

    4. Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary and securely disposed of thereafter.

    5. IAM shall uphold the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data through secure systems and protocols.

    6. Access to personal data is strictly limited to authorized personnel with defined responsibilities.

    7. All third-party service providers shall be bound by data sharing agreements and confidentiality clauses.

    VII. Data Protection Measures

    IAM implements appropriate physical, organizational, and technical measures to secure personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, and destruction. These include but are not limited to:

    • Restricted access to authorized personnel

    • Data encryption and password-protected systems

    • Firewalls, anti-virus software, and security audits

    • Secure servers and backups

    • Confidentiality agreements with staff and third parties

    VIII. Data Sharing and Disclosure

    Personal data may be disclosed or shared only under lawful conditions, such as:

    • With the consent of the data subject

    • For compliance with legal and regulatory obligations

    • To partner schools, academic affiliates, or government agencies

    • With service providers performing outsourced services (e.g., IT, marketing, research), subject to data sharing agreements

    • In emergencies where data is necessary to protect life or property

    IAM ensures that third parties uphold the same standard of data protection and confidentiality.

    IX. Rights of the Data Subjects

    Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, data subjects have the following rights:

    • Right to be informed – You have the right to know when and how your personal data is being collected and used.

    • Right to access – You may request to view the data that IAM holds about you.

    • Right to object – You may object to the processing of your data under certain conditions.

    • Right to erasure/blocking – You can request the deletion of your personal data where legally permissible.

    • Right to data portability – You may obtain a copy of your data in a portable format.

    • Right to rectify – You have the right to correct any inaccurate or outdated information.

    • Right to file a complaint – You may lodge a complaint before the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

    X. Retention and Disposal of Personal Data

    Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the stated purposes, comply with legal obligations, or defend legal claims. Once the retention period has expired, data will be securely disposed of through physical shredding or digital deletion protocols.

    XI. Website and Cookies Policy

    Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content. Users are notified about cookie usage upon visiting the site and may adjust browser settings to manage or disable cookies.

    IAM uses third-party analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics) to collect anonymized website usage statistics. These tools do not collect personally identifiable information unless the user voluntarily provides it through forms.

    XII. Consent

    By accessing the IAM website or submitting personal information through any of our platforms, you explicitly consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal data in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree to any of the provisions herein, please refrain from using our services or website.

    XIII. Sanctions for Non-Compliance

    Violations of this Data Privacy Policy by employees, students, or third parties engaged with IAM may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to:

    • Written warnings

    • Suspension or termination of access privileges

    • Employment termination or contract rescission

    • Legal actions or criminal prosecution under the Data Privacy Act of 2012

    IAM reserves the right to take necessary legal and administrative actions against any individual or entity found in breach of this policy.

    XIV. Amendments to the Policy

    IAM reserves the right to update or revise this Data Privacy Policy to reflect changes in relevant laws, institutional practices, or technology. Users will be notified of material changes through our official website or email communication. Continued use of IAM’s services and website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

    XV. Contact Information

    For any inquiries, concerns, or requests related to this policy, you may contact our Data Protection Officer:

    Data Protection Officer
    International Academy Manila
    Email: privacy@iamanila.edu.ph

    This policy was last updated on the 20th day of January 2025.