University News

University connects Iskolar ng Bayan and industries in three-day job fair

John Wyne M. Palad, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), through the Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO), welcomed over 45 industry partners for the second leg of its annual Career Fest, a three-day job fair from October 28 to 30 at the PUP Gymnasium. The event aimed to connect graduating students and alumni with employment and internship opportunities across various sectors.

Throughout the event, students and alumni actively joined in job and internship applications with private companies while also availing themselves of one-stop-shop services offered by participating government agencies. The Career Fest also featured seminars and talks designed to assist attendees in identifying careers that best align with their skills and interests. Each booth offered engaging activities and interactive games to help participants better understand the companies’ values, missions, and workplace cultures. These efforts collectively advanced PUP’s goal of fostering career readiness and lifelong learning.

According to ARCDO Director and Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (AVPSAS) Engr. Florinda H. Oquindo, the initiative reflects the university’s continuing commitment to support the skolar ng Bayan in their transition from academic life to the professional world.

“Rather than having our students travel from one company to another, we bring employers to the campus to ensure accessibility and safety while helping them find meaningful employment.” Oquindo said.

She added that the Career Fest is just one of ARCDO’s numerous programs aimed to enhance the employability of PUP students.

“Every year, we organize several activities to prepare our students for their careers. Aside from the Career Fest, we conduct career camps to train future executives, host webinar series with successful alumni and industry partners, and hold On-the-Job Training (OJT) fairs. We also offer one-stop-shop services that bring government agencies to the university to help students and employees secure employment requirements.”

Among the participating employers was Unilab, Inc., which has consistently supported the event as part of its mission to promote employment and national development.

“We participate in job fairs like this because it allows us to reach out to students and alumni,” said Kristine Salazar, Recruitment Marketing Specialist from Unilab. “Our mission is to provide opportunities and invite people to contribute to our goal of building a healthier Philippines. We seek individuals who embody excellence, compassion, and teamwork. We value culture fit as much as job fit, and we’re grateful to have hired many talented PUPians over the years.”

For many students, the event provided valuable exposure to employment possibilities and meaningful engagement with prospective employers.

“We learned a lot and explored many companies that could be our future workplaces or internship sites,” shared Jesse Palpal-latoc, a 4th year BS Accountancy student. “It’s a big help for graduating students and alumni who are still seeking employment. Thank you to PUP and its partners for creating this opportunity for us.”

Aligned with its vision of producing competent, responsive, and socially responsible graduates, PUP continues to strengthen collaborations with public and private institutions that expand opportunities for its scholars.

Through Career Fest 2025, the University reaffirmed its role as a transformative institution that nurtures the potential of Iskolar ng Bayan while fostering partnerships that advance sustainable and inclusive employment. The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth—by promoting accessible, fair, and productive opportunities for all, as well as SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals—through collaborative efforts that drive shared progress towards sustainability.