We, at St. Therese – MTC Colleges, value your right to privacy and is committed to protecting the personal data you provide when you use our official website at https://stmtcc.edu.ph/.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, share, and manage your personal information in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10183) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as guidelines from the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

1. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all users of our website, including:

• Students and prospective students;
• Parents and guardians;
•  Faculty and staff;
• Alumni; and
• Visitors who interact with our online services.

It covers information collected through online forms, email communication, event registrations, account logins, digital applications, and website browsing activities.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

a. Personal Identification Data

• • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Gender
  • Civil Status
  • Government-issued IDs (if applicable)

b. Contact Information

• • Email Address
  • Mobile or Telephone Number
  • Home or Mailing Address

c. Academic and Institutional Data

• • Student ID number
  • Course or program applied for/enrolled in
  • Grades, transcripts, and certifications
  • Faculty/staff employment information
  • Alumni records

d. Technical & Usage Data

• • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device identifiers
    Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

e. Other Voluntarily Provided Information

• • Responses to surveys, feedback forms, and inquiries
  • Uploaded documents (applications, resumes, academic requirements, etc.)

3. How We Use Your Information
We process your personal data only for legitimate purposes, such as:

• Academic Services: Processing applications, enrollment, course registration, and certification requests.
• Communication: Sending updates about school activities, announcements, and official correspondence.
• Student Support: Facilitating access to library services, e-learning systems, and student portals.
• Administration: Managing faculty/staff employment records, payroll, and HR functions.
• Compliance: Meeting requirements set by CHED, TESDA, MARINA, DepEd, and other government/regulatory bodies.
• Events & Engagement: Coordinating seminars, training programs, alumni activities, and institutional events.
• Website Improvement: Enhancing website usability, monitoring site performance, and personalizing user experience.

4. Legal Basis for Processing
We collect and process personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Consent – when you voluntarily provide data through forms, applications, or surveys.
• Contractual Necessity – when data is required to provide academic or administrative services.
• Legal Obligation – when processing is required by government regulations or legal processes.
• Legitimate Interests – to improve services, safeguard school operations, and protect institutional integrity.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your data only with:

• Authorized ST-MTCC Personnel – faculty, administrators, and staff for academic or administrative purposes.
• Third-Party Service Providers – website hosting providers, IT maintenance partners, email delivery platforms, or analytics tools under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Government Agencies – CHED, TESDA, DepEd, MARINA, and other authorities when legally required.
• Affiliated Institutions & Partners – for academic collaborations, internships, training, or scholarships (with proper safeguards).

We do not sell, lease, or trade your personal data to external parties.

6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary:

• Student records: maintained permanently as required by CHED and DepEd.
• Application data: retained for up to 2 years if enrollment is not pursued.
• Employee records: retained as required under labor and tax laws.
• Technical data (cookies, logs): stored for up to 1 year unless longer retention is needed for security or investigation.

Once no longer necessary, personal data is securely deleted, anonymized, or archived.

7. Security Measures
We implement organizational, physical, and technical safeguards, such as:

• Data encryption and secure servers
• Password protection and user authentication
• Restricted access to authorized personnel only
• Regular security audits and system monitoring
• Staff training on data privacy and protection

However, while we strive to secure your data, we cannot guarantee absolute protection against cyber threats.

8. Use of Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve browsing experience
• Monitor website traffic
• Remember user preferences

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some site features may not function properly.

9. Your Data Privacy Rights
Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct or update inaccurate or outdated information
• Withdraw consent to processing (if based on consent)
• Request deletion or blocking of your personal data under certain conditions
• Data portability (when applicable)
• File a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC)

To exercise these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer (DPO).

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy
ST-MTCC reserves the right to update or revise this policy at any time to reflect changes in laws, technology, or institutional practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.