Written by Kristina Valdez
As part of the University’s commitment to continuously hone its students to be empowered professionals in the global community, the UB Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) office successfully conducted the Pre-Employment Webinar 2026. The event highlighted the University’s unwavering dedication to supporting the students in achieving higher standards of learning while equipping them with the skills essential for employability.
The webinar consisted of three sessions and was attended by a total of 1334 graduating students via Zoom and 120 graduating students via Facebook Live. Session 1 was delivered by Mr. Cris Jamil Z. Hertez, RPm, CHRA, Human Resource Office at The Manila Times College of Subic and an alumnus of the University of Baguio. His topic, “#BeCareerReadyUBians,” equipped graduating students with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate their job application process, particularly in preparing effective application documents. Mr. Hertez also emphasized the development of essential skills and competencies necessary for career readiness, including leadership, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, career and self-development, equity and inclusion, teamwork, and technology.
Session 2 was presented by Ms. Romelda Frances M. Escaño, Labor and Employment Officer III of PESO Baguio, on the topic “#Becoming Globally Competitive: Updates on Global Employment Trends.” She highlighted the critical skills required to thrive in a globally competitive job market, such as critical thinking, resilience, self-awareness, creative thinking, and motivation. Ms. Escaño further highlighted the importance of 21st-century competencies during and addressing skills gaps to ensure employment readiness.
The final session was led by Ms. Leny O. Estacio, RGC, LPT, Director of the UB Center for Counseling and Student Development, on the topic “#Being Mentally Resilient in the Workplace.” This session emphasized the importance of fostering and sustaining mental health in the workplace through resilience strategies. It aimed to equip graduating students, as future employees, with the skills needed to thrive, perform effectively, and contribute positively to organizational success despite challenging work environments described by Ms. Estacio as BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible).
Continuous support from the classroom, to pre-employment, to the workplace
This initiative demonstrates how the University of Baguio, through the Center for Counseling and Student Development, continues to strengthen its graduating students’ employability by equipping them with the skills needed to be career-ready and ensuring a smooth transition from education to meaningful employment in a competitive job market. The event also shows the University’s ongoing commitment to nurturing excellent professionals while fostering UB graduate attributes.
