Enverga University strengthens employability initiatives through AppliedHE forum

To strengthen its initiatives on graduate employability, alumni engagement and outcomes-based education, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation participated in the AppliedHE Xchange: FCPC @ Bulacan 2026 at the City Convention Center in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, May 6.

The event, themed “A Strategic Approach to Employability & Alumni Engagement,” gathered higher education leaders, administrators and practitioners to discuss innovative approaches that support student career readiness and stronger alumni relations.

AppliedHE organized the forum in partnership with First City Providential College. The program highlighted an outcomes-driven approach to higher education through the 3Ms Framework: Job-Ready Rating, Alumni-Ready CRM and Soft Skills-Ready Assessment. The framework aims to help institutions respond to the changing demands of industry and society.

Maria Isabel Granada, director of the Office of Scholarship and Endowment, Job Placement and Alumni Relations, represented MSEUF together with Rodrigo Belleza Jr., dean of the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies and focal person for AppliedHE initiatives.

The program opened with welcome remarks from education leaders, including Mandy Mok, CEO of AppliedHE; Estrella Simon, president of First City Providential College; Ferdinand Somido, chancellor of the University of Perpetual Help System JONELTA and PACUCOA commissioner; Raymundo Arcega, president of ALCUCOA and NNQAA; Echel Simon-Antero, vice president for academic and research of FCPC; and Ian Evangelista, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director IV and concurrent chief of staff of the CHED chairperson.

One of the key sessions, “Soft Skills are No Longer Optional,” featured Lora Yusi, who emphasized the growing importance of interpersonal, adaptive and workplace-ready competencies in the modern workforce. Mok also introduced AppliedHE’s products and services to the participants.

Participants attended a product demonstration on the Alumni-Ready CRM, facilitated by Mok and Ruwan Chinthaka. The demonstration presented digital solutions that support alumni engagement, institutional connectivity and data-informed relationship management.

In the afternoon, Joaquim Dias Soeiro, deputy dean for internationalization of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Sunway University, led the strategic workshop titled “Student Diversity & Outcomes that Matter.” The session encouraged institutions to develop inclusive, outcome-focused strategies aligned with global standards and workforce expectations.

The event concluded with a photo opportunity and the awarding of certificates, recognizing the active participation of partner institutions in advancing employability, alumni engagement and quality assurance in higher education.

MSEUF’s participation in the AppliedHE Xchange reflected the university’s continuing commitment to industry-responsive education, stronger alumni relations and enhanced student readiness for future careers.

---

The activity aligned with Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation’s vision of becoming a globally competitive university and its mission of producing graduates with leadership, managerial skills, professionalism and research-based knowledge. It also reflected the core values of Excellence, Service and Fortitude by supporting initiatives that prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong engagement with the university.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The forum supported outcomes-based education, student readiness and institutional strategies that improve higher education quality.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The event emphasized employability, soft skills and stronger links between education and workforce needs.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The workshop on student diversity encouraged inclusive approaches to student success and career preparation.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The activity strengthened collaboration among higher education institutions, AppliedHE and industry-responsive education partners.