Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Office of Student Services jointly launched “Future Ready: UP Manila Career Expo 2026,” aimed at bridging academic preparation and professional pathways on March 18, 2026, at the UP Manila Theater and CAS Rizal Hall lobby.
The career expo served as a venue for students to explore employment and graduate study opportunities, engage with professionals, and gain insights into career options aligned with their training in the health sciences.
CAS Dean Ma. Teresa De Guzman emphasized that the event is “not just a gathering” but an opportunity to open doors and connect students’ aspirations with meaningful opportunities.
“Ngayon ay ang inyong pagkakataon upang pagtugmain ang inyong mga pangarap at mga oportunidad na maaaring magbigay direksyon sa inyong kinabukasan.”
“Huwag kayong matakot magtanong, makipag-usap, at tuklasin ang ibang landas. Take this opportunity to connect with professionals, expand your network, and discover possibilities you may not have imagined before,” She added.
OSA Director Odessa Joson highlighted that the Career Expo forms part of UP Manila’s continuing efforts to support students beyond the classroom by providing platforms where they can explore career opportunities, build professional networks, and prepare for life after graduation. Dir. Joson encouraged students to actively participate in the event and maximize the opportunity to learn from partner institutions.
“As guidance counselors, we are obliged to help our students understand their abilities, interests, and potential so they can make informed decisions about their future. We felt that it was proper and appropriate to provide our students with different career pathways so that when they graduate, they could find fulfillment even beyond their RSA,” said University Guidance Counselor Wilfredo II Francis Mina. He shared that the initiative was strengthened by student feedback, noting that many UP Manila students are interested in both pursuing graduate studies and working in the country, highlighting the need to provide diverse career pathways.
Meanwhile, UP Manila Office of Alumni Relations Director, Dr. Valerie Guinto, underscored the importance of maintaining strong ties with the University beyond graduation, noting that alumni networks play a key role in mentorship, career development, and opening opportunities for future professionals.
Agencies and institutions highlight opportunities
Participating government agencies and institutions provided students with an overview of key services, career opportunities, and pathways for professional growth. Claryn Sevilla of PhilHealth emphasized the role of PhilHealth in universal health coverage, noting that all Filipinos are automatically covered and can access expanded benefits with reduced out-of-pocket costs. Marielyn Neil Quicho of the Pag-IBIG Fund encouraged graduates to begin contributing early in their careers, highlighting how membership allows savings to grow through dividends while providing access to housing and emergency loan programs, while Irving Jason Belles of the Social Security System (SSS) underscored its role in income protection, explaining that membership and regular contributions ensure financial support during contingencies such as illness, maternity, disability, unemployment, and retirement.
Kevin Harvey Campana of the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) showcased the diverse career opportunities available within the country’s premier public hospital, highlighting its integral roles in service, training, and research, as well as the invaluable exposure to complex and varied medical cases. In addition, Rizalino Gestopa from the National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences shared the extensive graduate program opportunities offered by the University of the Philippines, Manila, while representatives from De La Salle University (DLSU), Prof. Ameurtina Koc, Prof. Christine Joy Ballad, and Glorife Samodio, presented the university’s comprehensive graduate programs, emphasizing advanced studies as vital pathways to professional growth, career advancement, and leadership across multiple fields.
Participating exhibitors
The expo featured a wide range of exhibitors from the private sector, government, healthcare, and higher education institutions:
The Career Expo reflects UP Manila’s continued efforts to support its students in navigating life beyond the university, whether in employment, public service, or further studies, while strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders in nation-building.
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