Philippines Representative:
Marose C. Macaraan
University Counselor
De La Salle University College of Law
Philippines@AsiaPacificCDA.org
Situationer:
Implications:
SITUATION
Implications
Situationer:
Recommendations:
References:
Situationer:
*two-week growth rate and average daily attack rate have decreased in Metro Manila
* healthcare utilization rates have declined to less than 50 percent, with most persons infected with COVID-19 being quarantined at home instead
Department of Education
> commencement of progressive expansion phase of face-to-face classes for both public and private schools
> schools must be under alert levels 1 and 2
Commission on Higher Education
> gradual resumption of classes
> Alert level 2 can proceed with face to face classes anytime following government guidelines
> Medical and nursing students as vaccinators
Reopening the economy
> increase of venue capacities from 50% to 70%
II. Recommendations
References:
Situationer:
Recommendations:
References:
COVID 19 Situationer
Situations in schools
Work Activities
Professional Development
Impact to careers and career educational programs
Impact to daily life
Areas of opportunity for career services
COVID 19 Situation
Situations in schools
Work Activities
Professional Development
Impact to Careers and Career Educational Programs
Impact to daily life
Areas of opportunity career services
Philippine COVID Situation
528, 853 – confirmed cases; 10874 deaths (as of Feb3, 2021) https://covid19.who.int/region/wpro/country/ph
General Community Quarantine is in place in the following areas: National Capital Region, Davao City, Batangas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Tacloban City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Iligan City while Santiago City, Ormoc City and all other areas are placed under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) until February 28, 2021 (https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/metro-manila-davao-city-to-remain-gcq-starting-february-1/)
The Philippines will receive three million vaccine doses by end of February. The first to be inoculated will be the healthcare workers, government frontliners, uniformed personnel, poor population and other vulnerable sectors of the society. The next jab to be given on the second quarter will be the country’s priority sectors including economic frontliners and laborers such as drivers, food industry workers, social service workers and life support service workers (https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/philippines-to-receive-three-million-vaccine-doses-by-end-february/)
The 4 Pillar Socioeconomic Strategy (https://www.dof.gov.ph/the-4-pillar-socioeconomic-strategy-against-covid-19/)
https://www.dof.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/We-Will-Rise-As-One-brochure-as-of-Oct-30.pdf
COUNTRY SITUATION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER ACTIVITIES
IMPLICATIONS
COUNTRY SITUATION
IMPLICATIONS TO LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT: Highlights of the April 2020 Labor Force Survey (June 5, 2020)
The management team of e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) Singapore, https://e2i.com.sg/, was recently in the Philippines for a planning retreat at the Heritage Hotel, Manila, from July, 17-19, 2019. The Philippine’s Department of Labor and Employment, National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR)’s Senior Labor and Employment Officer, Ryan Delos Reyes, of the Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare Division, conducted one of the management team’s Learning Sessions.
Ryan Delos Reyes DOLE-NCR’s Learning Session addressed the employment climate of the Philippines, the government’s strategies to improve employment rate/reduce unemployment rate and the challenges for implementation. His comprehensive presentation also included information about Philippine culture and Filipino values. Overall, Ryan’s Learning Session was informative, engaging, and entertaining! Both a Q&A session and dinner followed; where conversation continued to focus on the employment climate in Manila and its similarities and differences to Singapore’s.
In addition to e2i Singapore’s CEO, Gilbert Tan, Deputy CEO, Vicky Wong, and their 22 team leads, Ryan Delos Reyes’ Learning Session participants also included our very own APCDA President, Carla Siojo, as well as APCDA Administrator, Emily Lizada. The photo is of Ryan opening the e2i Singapore Learning Session.
The University of Santo Tomas is one of the Model Career Centers in the Philippines (USAID-STRIDE, 2018). With around 45,000 students, the university directs its efforts to realize its overarching objective: empowering Thomasians towards meaningful and purposeful careers. Having meaning and purpose in one's career is a product of self-discovery, informed decisions and application of one's strengths and skills. Their Career Services support the Academic Units of the University by providing additional learning experiences that promote students' self-discovery, encourage exploration of opportunities available to them and assist them in planning and realizing their desired career goals.
Fig. 1. Career Services Framework in UST with the Career Services' three main roles
Activities are aligned according to the roles of the Career Services team. In terms of Training for Career Services, the team offers the Thomasian the G.U.T.S., Gear-up Tools for Success or ThomGUTS Program. This ThomGUTS Program is a series of career seminars and workshops that run across all year levels with defined career themes, mock interview sessions, online résumé critiquing and the Career Ambassadors Program. Through the variety of ThomGUTS sessions, industry partners as well as alumni leaders in the field are engaged and bring back invaluable insights, tips and information to the students. Topics covered include Thomasian Identity, Career Exploration, Personality Development (e.g. Communication, teamwork and collaboration skills), Job Preparation and Management Skills, as well as Career Leadership. Mock Interview sessions and online résumé critiquing contributes to students' enhancement of job preparation and confidence-building. The Career Ambassadors Program empowers student volunteers to be leaders in facilitating career activities to their fellow students.
Career Services also serves as one of the windows through which industries can collaborate and build partnerships with the University. Contributing collaborations include Career Fairs, Employer Information Sessions and On-campus recruitment. Career Information is also provided among the students (e.g. job and internship opportunities and online resources and tools).
Fig. 2. Career Services in line with the identified core roles of the Career Services team
Integral to students' career development is their ability to process their experiences, set goals and overcome concerns that may block their progress. Career Counseling and Coaching, carried out by licensed counselors of the department, assist with experience processing. Career Coaching is a promising tool in promoting mental health in such a way that it focuses on inherent strengths, identification of solutions and expanding vision of oneself through dreams and aspirations.
Fig. 3. Career counseling and coaching as an integral part of the career services framework
Throughout all of the activities provided by Career Services, students come to understand that career planning is a lifelong journey wherein curiosity, persistence, flexibility, optimism and risk-taking are key attitudes that will enable them to achieve career success given the ever-changing landscape and transformation of the world of work and careers. Evaluation of the program is getting an overwhelming positive feedback with a good turnout of accumulated data on graduates' placement.
In response to the high incidence of youth unemployment in the country, the government approved a convergent program that aims to address the pressing issue of jobs-skills mismatch. A robust working group (WG) was established to develop an inter-agency Career Advocacy Plan intended to immerse parents and students in the realities of the labor market supplemented by the use of Phil Job Net and Labor Market Information (LMI). The WG consisted of the following: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Additionally, the enhancement of academic-industry linkages has ensured that standards, policies and guidelines set by the government are regularly monitored through accreditation of academic programs for sustained implementation of career programs and services. Aside from the government's WG for Career Advocacy Plan, professional organizations do their significant part in the career development in the country, such as Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association of the Philippines (PGCA), Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), Career Development Association of the Philippines (CDAP), Association of Placement Practitioners of Colleges and Universities (APPCU) and Integrated Professional Counseling Association of the Philippines (IPCAP).
CDAP
Ms. Sonia Mendoza, MA, CDAP President
CDAP celebrated its Ruby Anniversary in its 40th Annual Conference last November 16-17, 2017 with the theme "Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present and Transforming for the Future." International figures in Career Development from different countries shared their practices. Dr. Concepcion Umali, Dean International Academy of New Zealand, Dr. Richard Knowdell, President of Career Research and Testing, Inc., Dr. Brian Schwartz, Founder and Chairman, Suzhou Success Partners Management, Consulting Co., Mr. Allan Gatenby, Chair Institute of Career Certification International.
Filipino speakers also enticed the audience in listening and participating in the program with the following resource persons: Dr. Josefina Santamaria, CDAP Founding President, Dr. Luzviminda Guzman, Philippine Regulation Board of Guidance & Counseling Board Chairman, Atty. Pilar Almira, President, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Mr. Ramon Segismundo, President, People Management Association of the Philippines, Dr. Imelda Villar, CPD Chair, Board of Psychology and last but not the least, Dr. Lucila Bance, Director, Counseling & Career Center, University of Santo Tomas.
The organization established partnership with Edukasyon.ph and contributed much on its nation-wide event, the Career Awareness and Readiness (CARES) Program with several runs in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. The program was nominated in the 14th TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awards.
CDAP also joined the Technical Working Group of SEAMEO INNOTECH and Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) for their career pathing and career mapping projects. CDAP also participated in PESO/DOLE Consultation and Orientation Seminars on youth employment. It prepared Motivational Training Program for students of Vittana, an NGO that provides educational assistance for youth. Through a partnership with Servicio Filipino, Inc. (SFI) Group of Companies, CDAP was additionally involved in various projects such as the Training of Career Advocates, PESO Managers, Learning Series for the Feeder Schools of Asia Pacific College.
SFI also prepared a KeyTrain program in developing foundational skills of 259 selected third year high school students in Bataan. Research showed significant improvement of participants' foundational workplace skills in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information, which have implications for education, career development as well as curriculum development. The assessment tool used is a comprehensive talent profile that identifies the key strengths and weaknesses of students, trainees and workforce in the context of their career preferences and workplace competencies. The results of this tool may be utilized for curriculum enhancement purposes and the creation/enhancement of career guidance programs and services that address the career-readiness skills of students.
CDAP's Mid-year Conference was held on May 24-25, 2018 at Hotel Benilde with the Theme: "Spectrum for Success: A Career Paradigm Shift for Philennials".
APPCU
Carla Siojo, MA, APPCU Vice-President
The 10th Anniversary and 8th Annual Convention of APPCU took place at St. Scholastica's College, Manila on 8-9 March 2018. The event convened placement practitioners, career guidance practitioners, guidance counselors, career guidance advocates from colleges and universities and HR practitioners from industry to increase their knowledge of workforce trends in this era of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Participants were exposed to learning sessions that aimed to hone and develop skills in personal branding, meta-coaching, networking and use of big data in order to efficiently and effectively perform their duties and responsibilities and improve existing career services.
The theme of the Convention, "10 to the Next 10: APPCU Surges Ahead!" affirmed the 10-year old existence of APPCU, and the challenge for the organization to surge forward to the next 10 years! The Convention also affirmed APPCU's commitment in developing 21st century skills of placement practitioners in order to remain relevant and effective in helping students transition from school to a competitive global workplace and in bridging the gap between the existing jobs and skills mismatch. The event was sponsored by ServeHappy Jobs and Globe Telecom, Inc.
The invited resource speakers from industry and academe for the 2-day event received excellent ratings from the participants. The speakers and topics included: Grace Abella-Zata, President, Corporate Executive Search, Inc., who talked about "Hiring Potential Talents for the Workforce"; Maria Luz C. Vilches, Ph.D., Vice President for the Loyola Schools, Atene de Manila University, who gave "A Response from the Academe on Preparing Potential Talents for the Workforce"; Tisha Rosales, Meta-Coach from BreakFree Workshop gave a plenary workshop on "Harnessing the Power of Corporate Personal Branding"; Julius Paras, Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement and Country Manager of Kalibrr, talked about "Making Big Data Work for You and gave Alumni Engagement Insights from the Ivy League"; Florence T. Ladion, RGC, Financial Consultant and Assistant Unit Manager at Prulife, UK, shared the importance of "Networking as an Art of Establishing Partnerships"; and Marie Geraldine R. Samson, Meta-Coach at BreakFree Workshop shared "The Basics of Meta-Coaching."
Overall, the Convention was informative, interesting and enriching. The knowledge and best practices shared by the resource speakers inspired the participants to improve their placement and career practice. The Convention also provided an avenue to connect and reconnect with those who work at colleges and universities and facilitate the nation's young people realizing meaningful employment.
Building a Model Counseling and Career Center in the Philippines by USAID STRIDE
Lucila O. Bance, PhD, Director, Counseling and Career Center, University of Santo Tomas
Three years ago, a Model Counseling and Career Center (CCC) in the Philippines was built to address the challenges and meet the needs of the 21st century and the directional goals of the University of Santo Tomas. The development was supported by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development, Science Technology Research for Innovation Development (USAID STRIDE). The strategic landscape, expectations and outlook for Counseling and Career Services evolved at a rapid rate and included the retooling of 43 guidance counselors and 4 staff (1 Office Secretary, 2 Psychometricians and 1 Associate for Career Placement ). The resultant structure is comprised of 2 major sub-units under the CCC: the Counseling Services Unit and the Career Services Unit.
The Counseling Services Unit takes care of ThomRISE (Thomasian Resources for Intensifying Student Empowerment) with programs on: Orientation and Information; Peer Assisted Study Success (PASS); Peer Facilitator Training; Academic Counseling; Personal, Emotional and Social Counseling; and Intervention Programs for Special Groups.
The Career Services Unit takes care of ThomGUTS (Thomasian Gear Up Tools for Success) and ThomCARE (Thomasian Career Readiness and Employment) with programs on: Career Exploration; Career Ambassadors; Career Counseling; Resume Clinic; Career E-Portfolio; CarSem (Career Seminars with Alumni and Industry Component); Life and Career Skills Development; Student Career Placement & Industry Partnerships; Mock Interviews; Career Fairs (On-Site Recruitment & Employers' Information Sessions); and Networking Sessions. Supported by a Psychological Testing and Assessment Committee, ThomACE (Thomasian Assessment towards Competence and Empowerment) takes care of the following activities: Personality & Skills Assessment and Psychological Testing, Interpretation and Counseling. The center is dedicated to deliver comprehensive and evidence-based counseling and career programs and services in collaboration with educators and administrators as well as engagement and strategic partnerships with business and community stakeholders to ensure students' academic, personal-social and career success.
The Counseling and Career Center, University of Santo Tomas, is recognized not only in the Philippines but in other countries around the globe. In April 2017, the Center's services were recognized during APCDA's annual conference which included representation from 23 countries. In June 2017, the platform was presented at the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy (ICCDPP) held in Korea; with 29 participating countries.
In 2017-2018, USAID STRIDE consultants from William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan spearheaded a career caravan in the strategic areas in the Philippines (Cebu, Legaspi, Davao and Metro Manila) to showcase the roadmap to develop Model Counseling and Career Centers in the Philippines. Along with the all out support of the CCC team and the top administrators of the University of Santo Tomas, led by its Rector, Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., the platform aimed to educate future-ready, Filipino graduates by creating and transforming counseling and career centers for youth, the nation and the global community at large.
If you visit the Philippines in spring or summer, you have your choice of "fun in the sun," or joining festivals or fiestas. Attending these celebrations not only ensures a good time (and a full stomach) but also provides a deeper insight into Philippine culture and traditions.
In 1872, a 12 year old Jose Rizal entered the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now the Ateneo de Manila University) where for the next five years, he was immersed in studies that not only sharpened his intellectual capability but also deepened his love for God and country. Such were, and still are, the strongest attractions of an Ateneo education.
For more than 150 years now, the Ateneo de Manila University has remained one of the most prestigious and comprehensive universities in Southeast Asia — participating meaningfully amidst the changing national and global milieus. The Ateneo has been at the vanguard of contributing to nation building. Drawing from the Jesuit tradition of faith, character formation, justice and civic engagement, Ateneans are taught to grow personally and spiritually. They are encouraged to not just think of themselves but also of their communities. "To be men and women for others" is at the core of every Jesuit identity, and ultimately, of every Atenean.
Ateneo's gentle genius, the late Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, was one of them.
An effective communicator, extraordinary writer and esteemed historian, de la Costa was the first Filipino Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. This remarkable accomplishment was followed with an appointment as General Assistant and Consultor to then Jesuit General Fr. Pedro Arrupe. Yet, what may most be remembered about de la Costa was not his long list of achievements nor his writings, it was that he used his exceptional talents to give glory to God and serve others. He did everything with love, devotion, and service, whether it was writing Light Cavalry (a book about the 400th anniversary of the Society of Jesus) or imparting knowledge to younger Ateneans as a History professor. He was even awarded the Medal of Freedom by the United States government for his role in helping the resistance movement during World War II.
With an education rooted in Ignatian spirituality, it is not surprising to see Ateneans championing the rights of those most vulnerable. Ateneans are change catalysts and who better to personify this than two men who gave up their life fighting for democracy: Edgar Jopson and Evelio Javier.
Jopson, like Rizal and de la Costa, was an excellent student — graduating valedictorian at the Ateneo High School and cum laude, BS Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University. A recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1970, Jopson was one of the bold young men who fought tirelessly against the viciousness of Martial Law. He was at the forefront of seeking political change until his death at the hands of the military in 1982.
Javier also graduated from the Ateneo High School with first honors. In 1963, he completed his AB History and Government and went on to study at the Ateneo Law School. As the youngest provincial governor in the Philippines at the time – he was 29 years old – Javier's passion for service and dedication personified the Ignatian spirit of faith, courage, and justice. At the peak of the snap presidential elections, Javier was killed by hooded gun men. His untimely demise on Feb. 11, 1986 was seen as one of the flames that ignited the 1986 People Power Revolution.
The Ateneo way is a way of oblation. More than harnessing the academic excellence of its students, the Ateneo helps mold future leaders who will be at the forefront of nation building. Noted alumni who contribute through jobs and growth are business tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan (First Pacific), Lourdes Josephine Gotianum (Filinvest Development), Roberto Ongpin (Alphaland Corporation), Alfredo Ramos (National Bookstore), and Tomas Alcantara (Alson Consolidated Resources), to name a few. Young alumni like (Reese Fernandez-Ruiz (Rags2Riches), Mark Ruiz (Hapinoy) and Eleanor Pinugu (Mano Amiga Philippines) are also doing their part in addressing developmental problems through their social enterprises. Fernandez-Ruiz was, in fact, included in Forbes' 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs for 2015.
The Ateneo is committed to help rebuild the nation and has scaled up efforts through various initiatives. Among such programs are Gawad Kalinga (which helps build homes and communities in depressed areas); Pathways to Higher Education (assists academically-gifted but underprivileged youth from the public school system complete college education); the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (helps improve public basic education through programs); and the Disaster Response and Management team (assists in helping victims of natural calamities).
One hundred forty-four years after our national hero Jose Rizal became an Atenean, the Ateneo de Manila University continues to form men and women who will build knowledge, inspire and empower others, but most especially, use their gifts and talents for the greater glory of God.
Individual and group Career Counseling/Consultation (face-to-face and/or online) as well as on-campus recruitment initiatives (e.g. recruitment presentations, pre-employment testing) with Students and Alumni typically take place throughout the year at most universities and colleges in the tertiary level in the Philippines. Most institutions resume classes in June and begin career orientation programs for juniors and seniors in July. Mid-year conventions for the two major career professional organizations take place in August.
APPCU is committed to assist in the establishment, growth, and development of functional placement programs of its member schools. More specifically, it seeks to:
In September, employers start doing university roadshows for their flagship recruitment programs. And from fall through December, a series of career panel discussions and networking sessions are scheduled and organized by career field/ industry. The fall, specifically October, also finds employers conducting rounds at the many higher education institutions to filter top teams as university representatives for international marketing competitions. And in December, plans get underway for based career fairs. These fairs are scheduled as week-long events in January. And in February, week-long events include on-campus mock interviews..