short-course programs for professionals and two-year technical/vocational courses for those who wish to acquire employment skills. The latter concentrates on telecommunication, electronics, and related technologies. Elevation to university AMA Computer College of Quezon City became AMA Computer University or AMA University following the conferment of university status by the Philippine government's Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on 20 August 2001. In 2003, AMA Computer University partnered with Carnegie Mellon University's iCarnegie'' to use its curriculum and courses through e-learning. Previously, iCarnegie had approached STI for the agreement, but opted to stick with AMACU instead. Overseas AMA Computer College campuses In 2003, AMA Education system brokered a partnership with the government of Bahrain to establish the AMA International University in Manama. Athletic programs In 2001, AMA joined the newly created National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU). Political affiliations Amable Aguiluz V was Joseph Estrada's political endorser in the 1998 Presidential elections. Aguiluz resigned from the Commission in November 1999 due to a controversial purchase of equipment by the commission from a subsidiary of the AMA Group of Companies. Aguiluz's father Amable Aguiluz Sr. was Diosdado Macapagal's friend and Aguiluz Sr. served as chairman and auditor-general of the Commission on Audit in the 1960s. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was invited to AMA's sponsored political rallies. In 1995, Arroyo attended a political rally in AMA when she ran for re-election as senator. Arroyo attended all graduation rites for AMA from 2002 to 2005. Arroyo cited AMA for not participating in cause oriented and student activist groups. Arroyo appointed Aguiluz as Presidential Adviser for the Middle East. Programs Colleges College of Computer Studies College of Engineering College of Business Administration and Accountancy College of Arts and Sciences College of Education Branches AMA Computer College has 41 campuses nationwide under the AMA University and Colleges umbrella. Only the main campus of AMA in Project 8 is accredited with a University status; all else are under study for proper tertiary status. Student population mainly determine the longevity of the campuses. Member schools The AMA Education System has a number of member schools. AMA Computer College are educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. AMA International University is a partnership between the government of Bahrain and AMA Education System serving AMA's ICT programs in the Arab Region. AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC College) offers shorter Information Technology-related programs. ABE International