By Ms. Mary Grace Idulsa-Rojo, Consultant of USTP Career Center and Industry Relations Office
The University of Science of Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Career Center Training culminated with a completion ceremony on April 16, 2021, via Zoom Meeting. The training was the University’s initiative in upskilling Program Heads and Coordinators across the USTP System. This is in collaboration and assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE). Among the completers are from the Panaon, Claveria, Villanueva, Jasaan, and Oroquieta campuses.
The ceremony started with the introduction and acknowledgment of the USTP Campus Directors and Program Coordinators followed by the presentation of their plans and activities in starting their own career center. Dr. Ruvel J. Cuasito, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of USTP CDO, expressed his feedback on the presentations echoing the University’s advocacy in Science & Technology; encouraging the career center to amplify this advocacy through industry-academe collaboration relative to the employment dynamics of USTP graduates.
Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, USAID/Philippines Office of Education Director, expressed that the Career Center expansion initiative is another testament to the dynamism and commitment of USTP to the development of the institution and its students. This resonates with the message of Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, University System President, on USTP’s commitment to continuously address the skills mismatch within the region by empowering students’ employability through the Career Center’s support.
Ms. Lera Fay C. de la Rama, Director for the Career Services and Government-Industry-Community (GIC) Relations of the USTP System, extends her gratitude to the Program Heads and Coordinators for recognizing the participants’ effort and commitment to the implementation of their programs and activities. She also gives her top tips, accentuating taking actions one step at a time, building relationships with industry partners, and taking risks.
Dr. Richard Abendan, STRIDE Program Chief-of-Party, closed the ceremony by highlighting time-bound and measurable plans and objectives of the campuses whilst recognizing USTP’s strong policies and systems.
