University News

PUP and DPWH Campus Job Fair: The search for the next generation of civil servants

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

Approximately 700 students packed the Bulwagang Balagtas on March 12 to attend the Campus Job Fair, jointly led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), through the Alumni Relations and Career Development Services Office (ARCDO).

PUPians in attendance primarily included students and alumni from the College of Engineering (COE), College of Accountancy and Finance (CAF), and College of Architecture, Design, and Build Environment (CADBE), all vying for opportunities at the agency.

To kickstart the program, University President, Dr. Manuel M. Muhi thanked the DPWH for this initiative, noting that it provides students with opportunities to explore career paths in public service and opens doors to careers where their skills and expertise can directly impact millions of Filipinos.

“The event reflects a meaningful collaboration between the academe and government, one that strengthens our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals who will help build and shape our nation with integrity,” the president stated.

He encouraged the students to seize the advantage to join the public sector, emphasizing that the youth have the power to innovate, to lead, and to contribute to national development.

Iskolar ng Bayan, the hope for a new change.

DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon, in his speech, called PUP one of the top engineering universities in the Philippines and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from its students. He stated that the campus job fair aims to recruit future DPWH employees, emphasizing that the students now represent the future and hope of the department.

He called the demand for fresh and dynamic government officials, highlighting that the country needs such professionals, saying “Kaya kami dito dahil kailangan namin kayo kasi kayo ang magbabago sa DPWH. We need you. Kailangan namin kayo.”

“You are the future. If you have the courage to join DPWH as an engineer, as an accountant, or as an architect, then you will have a part in changing this because this needs to change.” Dizon added

Additionally, he pledged to finish all pending DPWH-led projects at the Sintang Paaralan by 2027, especially the nine-story building in the PUP Sta. Mesa Campus. He committed to allocating ?1.5 billion in next year’s National Budget to finish PUP infrastructure projects that will benefit thousands of PUPians.

Meanwhile, DPWH Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Undersecretary for Technical Services and Operations for External Convergence Projects, Engr. Lara Marisse I. Esquibil, shared her experience working in the public sector.

She reiterated the importance for fresh-faced employees, citing the low perception of government engineers and the need to restore credibility in providing effective solutions.

“We just hope that you would give us engineers who solve problems, who give the right solutions, [and] who have the heart for public service because bottom line is, it’s just puso at serbisyo. Kung nandito yung puso mo para magserbisyo para sa bansa, para mai-angat ang imprastraktura natin, kayo ang kailangan namin,” Esquibil said.

Wave of Inspiration

Participating students at the campus job fair expressed their enjoyment. Mark Niel Supan, a graduating Mechanical Engineering student, shared his appreciation for the opportunities aligned with his career aspirations.

He added that the event and the speakers’ words inspired him to pursue public service after graduation, saying he intends to make a difference for the country and hopes to join the DPWH Procurement Service.

“Gusto kong i-ambag ang skills ko, ang knowledge ko, and ang integrity ko para mas mapaganda ang service ng government.” He declared.

Meanwhile, Maria, a BS Civil Engineering graduate from the PUP Institute of Technology (ITECH), also enjoyed the event as she witnessed Sec. Dizon’s insights and perspective on public service and appreciated DPWH’s encouragement to join their ranks.

Advancing Career Development and Global Goals

While PUP continues to uphold its mission of providing accessible and quality education, the institution also seeks ways to advance the career development of the Iskolar ng Bayan.

The successful conduct of the DPWH and PUP Campus Job Fair reflects the University’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It advances SDG 8 by providing future professionals channels to find their meaningful careers and SDG 10 by opening opportunities for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds.