Graduating students attend career readiness seminar; key govt agencies serve as speakers

In preparation for graduation and employment, 348 college seniors of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation attended a career orientation seminar that introduced key government institutions and their roles in the transition from student to professional, May 8. 

Held as part of the University's pre-graduation initiatives, the event highlighted essential processes in licensing, employment protection, and professional benefits.

Representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) provided direct information on their agency’s services. For many of the students, this was their first engagement with these institutions.

Jonathan Alim of DOLE discussed labor rights, employment standards, and the various government programs available for new graduates. He emphasized the importance of knowing one's legal rights in the workplace and the support services available for job seekers.

Rhodora Alday of SSS walked the students through the process of registering for social security coverage, explaining the benefits available to employees and the necessary documents for setting up their accounts.

Raul Marquez of the PRC explained the step-by-step application process for licensure examinations, a requirement for many of the graduates before they can legally practice their profession.

The Philippine Army, represented by Major Mario Anton “Bala” Tamayo, also joined the seminar. Major Tamayo shared that the Armed Forces is now actively recruiting not just combatants but also professionals from different areas of specialization.

“We need professionals from different areas of specialization, as modern warfare has evolved beyond the biological. It is now in the domains of cyber, information, economic, technological, and psychological forms,” Tamayo explained.

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The seminar was organized to help graduates understand the institutional responsibilities they must fulfill and the opportunities available to them as they transition into the workforce.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – by preparing students with practical knowledge and introducing them to post-graduation requirements and professional pathways.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by promoting employment rights, job readiness, and social protection awareness.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – by fostering trust and knowledge in government services and systems that support the country’s labor force.