By Eugene Matthew B. Juanico, BA-COMM 4, The Centralian Link Intern

Senior High School students gather at the Rose Memorial Auditorium for Career Guidance Day 2026. A full day dedicated to exploring labor market trends, honing soft skills, and navigating the transition to college life.

The pursuit of knowledge is a journey sparked by curiosity—a lifelong calling where minds are sharpened and a sense of purpose begins to take form. On January 29, 2026, the Rose Memorial Auditorium (RMA) became a hub of discovery as Senior High School (SHS) students gathered for the Career Guidance Day 2026. The whole-day event, running from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provided students with a roadmap for their transition to college and a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving job market.

The program commenced with a solemn opening prayer led by Miss Bethany Rozann J. Escube, Guidance Associate of the College of Engineering. Following this, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate delivered the welcome remarks, challenging the students with a foundational question: “What did you want to be when you grew up?”

The morning sessions focused on the practical “toolkit” needed for modern professional life. Ms. Heydee Marie B. Zereso, CDSP & JPO Focal, emphasized that employers today look beyond academic records, seeking candidates with robust soft skills. She highlighted several essential attributes:

• Communication Skills for clear expression.
• Critical Thinking for objective judgment.
• Time Management to balance productivity and self-care.
• Teamwork and Adaptability for effective networking and resilience.
• Emotional Intelligence to regulate feelings and empathize with others.

Adding a forward-looking perspective, Ms. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, Job Placement Officer, discussed Labor Market Trends. She noted that industries of the future are increasingly geared toward data and technology, listing in-demand roles such as AI Specialists, Data Scientists, Software Developers, and Healthcare Professionals.

After a high-energy Zumba icebreaker, guest speaker Prof. Pedro P. Galeno took the stage to discuss the “Practicality vs. Passion Paradox.” He introduced a Career Development Framework rooted in the “Heart of a Gen Z Career,” asserting that success requires the right mindset, method, and motion.

Through activities like the “Flashlight Reveal” and “Mirror Check,” Prof. Galeno encouraged students to build their passion and identify non-negotiable work values. He reminded the audience that “education is not graduation; it is a continuous software update,” urging them to view their skills as a portable toolkit for a job market where many future roles haven’t even been invented yet.

The afternoon session turned toward the Centralian community. Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Recruitment Officer, presented the various programs and scholarships available at CPU, fostering a sense of loyalty and continuity. Representatives from different colleges showcased their specific benefits, followed by a special musical performance by Elisha Caramel Vilvar.

The event concluded with an encouraging message from Asst. Prof. Johanna Faith M. Candido, Director of the Guidance Services Center, who reminded students that success is possible through belief and action. The day ended in a prayer led by Asst. Prof. Eunice G. Alayon, citing Proverbs 3:6: “In everything you do, put God first and He will plan everything you do.”

As students left the auditorium, the message was clear: whether the path is straight or zigzagged, the goal is to “just keep swimming” toward their unique horizons.