The University of the Philippines in a tripartite partnership with the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently launched the UP-Job Placement Office (UP-JPO), a groundbreaking initiative representing a landmark collaboration among the academe, government, and private sector, aiming to connect UP students and alumni to meaningful career opportunities. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leo Cubilan and UP Alumni Regent and UPAA President Robert Aranton.

During the launch, UP Alumni Regent and UPAA President Robert Aranton highlighted the vital role of collaboration among academic institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies in shaping the future of the Filipino workforce. “Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to honor, excellence, and service,” Aranton stated. "The JPO is not just a facility, it is a transformative platform that elevates employment facilitation services for a highly educated demographic. It aligns UP graduates' academic excellence with meaningful professional opportunities.”

The JPO offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored specifically for UP graduates, including:

Key Features and Updates on the JPO

● Holistic Career Development: The JPO offers job placement services, career counseling, and industry-specific training seminars to enhance employability and address job mismatches.

● Innovative Initiatives: As a flagship program of the UPAA called 4Es CONNECT, the JPO is an ambitious undertaking to bridge gaps between education and workforce readiness, empowering graduates to excel in the global market.

● Platform Readiness: In collaboration with DOLE, the team underwent platform training, ensuring seamless registration and job matching for students and alumni.

This initiative is not just about job placement; it addresses critical workforce challenges such as employment mismatches and enhances overall employability. By fostering connections between education and industry, the JPO is poised to help graduates thrive as they step into their professional lives.

Aranton emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Together with our partners—DOLE, PEZA, and the private sector—we are making a profound investment in the future of our nation. The JPO is a testament to our commitment to empower not just individuals, but the Filipino people as a whole.

The UP-JPO - which will be housed no less than at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers. By providing vital resources and support, the JPO aims to ensure that UP graduates are well-equipped to excel in a competitive global market.

Source: UPAA press release