Centro Escolar Integrated School Malolos conducted a two-day career orientation webinar entitled “How To Pandemic-Proof Your Future Career Goals” aiming to help Escolarians to choose a career path that can withstand the changing times. 

|  Day 1  October 9

The excitement of the Escolarian community is felt even though the event was held in a virtual space. The first guest speaker, Mr. Rodel M. Ancot, a Human Resource and Organization Development Project Volunteer, started his talk about how to pandemic-proof future career goals.

“So what we are gonna talk about is not only kung saang exact career path pupunta but on how you can stabilize your emotions para yung thinking mo is logical,” The first guest speaker, Mr. Ancot emphasized. 

Mr. Ancot stated that he strongly conveyed being rational and cognitive in choosing a career path. He also pointed out the need to raise awareness on the agricultural sector in the country. 

"We really need a lot of support from local farmers," Mr. Ancot said as he mentioned Filipinos patronizing imported goods rather than their own.

It was then filled in by Ms. Jocelyn C. Linsao-ng, the Vice President of Human Resource and Organizational Development (Cubiks Consulting Pty. Ltd. Australia).

"Let's have a game plan. Because if you don't have a game plan, as the cliche goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail,"  Ms. Linsao-ng highlighted in her talk the importance of planning ahead of time. "Always have plan A, plan B, plan C, and so on. And whenever there is a plan, there is no assurance that it will go as planned, as always. So you have to be always ready to expect the unexpected." she added.

Moreover, Ms. Linsao-ng mentioned that academics is not the only thing that will propel someone to success. They should also have an augmenting mindset and prepare for improvement since things will not always come their way.

Ms. Linsao-ng also incorporated in her talk how banking and finance and the industry of information technology have evolved over the years. In addition to this, she listed some current courses that are pandemic-proof. These courses include medicine, information technology, accounting, journalism, and civil engineering.

Ms. Linsao-ng ended with a powerful note, “You must make a choice to take a chance, or your life will never change.”

CEIS fired up as the most awaited speaker for the day. Attorney Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, the Chairman of Free Legal Assistance Groups, began recalling when everyone had difficulty adjusting to the new normal lifestyle during the pandemic.

"We have lost the physical warmth, the touch, the contact that we Filipinos really crave. That's why it has really affected us in so many ways not only outwardly but even inwardly in our lives. That is not only true for what we do in our ordinary life, it is also true for so many professions, not just the legal profession, but other professions in our country, we really had to adjust and lawyers are among those who have to find a way to keep on providing legal services," Atty. Diokno shared that he looked forward to lawyers to start offering free legal services to the Filipinos.

It was short yet filled with enlightenment, Atty. Diokno’s talk ended with expressions of gratitude to the organizers and viewers of the webinar. Likewise, viewers were also grateful. 

|  Day 2 October 16

The first guest speaker for the second day was Ms. Karenina Vallado-Abiog, an HR-Admin Manager from Elevated plus Inc. She talked about proofing one’s career through gaming and business

Ms. Vallado-Abiog explained the different career paths the students could take if they want to be in the gaming industry, as well as the history of gaming itself.

"Nung nagka pandemic, sobrang nagboom yung mga delivery services. Andaming nagsulputan aside from Lalamove, Grab.  (During the pandemic, delivery services boomed a lot. A lot of them showed up aside from Lalamove, Grab),"  Ms. Vallado-Abiog stated as she talked about the emerging businesses during the pandemic.

Following her was Mr. Louie F. Villena, owner of Cynergy Systems. Due to some personal reasons, he couldn't join the event. However, he sent a recorded speech that will help the students navigate career paths they have chosen.

"One of the important things that should happen between or among students, parents,  teachers and even advisers is yung tinatawag kong collaboration," Mr. Villena said as he talks about the current situation that has not been experienced by most people. 

Before ending his speech, he shared an E-book called "The Careers Handbook" which will help the students in choosing a career path.

Lastly, Dr. Anthony C. Leachon, a public health advocate and the chairman of Kilusang Kontra Covid, discussed careers that are related to healthcare.

"I always tell myself. The doctor is in, based on the signage, a healer, a comforter, a life saver. The doctor is in, a hope giver, a cheerleader and a reassuring friend". Dr. Leachon said as he talks about the values a doctor must have. 

Dr. Leachon explained that there is currently a 'double pandemic' going on in our country. This means that there is an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases and COVID.

"The economy will never recover as long as the virus is not controlled; if we don't understand it, then we are part of the problem," Dr. Leachon said addressing the problem of the economy during this pandemic is important.

Dr. Leachon also emphasized that one should never forget to help other people and give back to the society as a way of showing gratitude.

Before ending his talk, Dr. Leachon talked about the importance of listening to one's heart, perseverance, courage and praying.

To conclude the webinar, Dr. Teresa R. Perez thanked everyone who participated and she hopes that the webinar will allow the Escolarians to reflect on the careers that they will pursue.