Demonstrating its commitment to preparing students for successful careers beyond graduation, Isabela State University (ISU) San Mariano Campus successfully conducted Career Pathways 2026: Connecting Youth to Careers and Opportunities on July 6, 2026, at the Agri-Education Quadrangle. Anchored on the theme, “Empowering Young People to Navigate the World of Work Through Career Guidance, Labor Education, and Employment Opportunities,” the activity brought together graduating students, government agencies, industry partners, and university officials to strengthen students’ employability and career readiness.

Organized in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of San Mariano through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)–San Mariano, and in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region II, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region II, and the Provincial Government of Isabela, the event served as a comprehensive platform for career development, labor education, and employment facilitation.

The program commenced with registration, followed by an opening ceremony featuring an invocation, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and opening remarks from Dr. Rockangel M. Jamoral, Director of Student Affairs and Services, who emphasized the importance of equipping graduating students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully transition from the academe to the professional world.

In her welcome message, Prof. Drolly P. Claravall, Ed.D., Campus Administrator, underscored the University’s commitment to producing competent, industry-ready graduates by providing opportunities that bridge academic learning with workforce demands. She encouraged students to maximize the opportunities presented through the seminar, career fair, and government service caravan as they prepare for their future careers.

Messages of support were delivered by Mr. Roneil Alchris G. Tagle, President of the San Mariano SK Federation; Atty. Rogelio T. Benitez, DPA, MNSA, CESE, Regional Director of DMW Region II; and Hon. Ana Cristina Siquian Go, Municipal Mayor of San Mariano, Isabela. Each speaker reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower the youth through career guidance, employment programs, and collaborative partnerships among government, educational institutions, and the private sector.

The activity featured a Pre-Employment Seminar led by resource speakers from partner government agencies, covering key topics essential for graduating students entering the workforce. Discussions included Pre-Employment Orientation and the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign by Ms. Jacqueline U. Pague of the DMW–Migrant Workers Protection Division; Labor Education and Job Opportunities by Mr. Bernard John E. Manaligod of DOLE Region II; Labor Market Information by Ms. Cecilia Claire N. Reyes, Isabela Provincial PESO Manager; and Employment Coaching by Ms. Maycee S. Adriano, Administrative Officer IV (HRMO II) of ISU San Mariano Campus. These sessions provided practical knowledge on workers’ rights, employment trends, job search strategies, and professional preparedness.

Simultaneously, the Career Fair (Job Fair) connected graduating students with various local and overseas employers, providing opportunities for recruitment and employment matching. Participating companies included Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc., Green Future Innovation, Inc., EVERISE Philippines LTD., Flash Express, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Non-stop Overseas Employment Corp., Fil-Gulf Manpower & General Services, Inc., and Pacific Star International Employment Agency Corp.

Complementing the job fair was a Government Service Caravan, where participating agencies—including the Pag-IBIG Fund (HDMF), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO)—provided essential information and services to help students prepare for employment and adulthood.

The successful conduct of Career Pathways 2026 reaffirmed ISU San Mariano Campus’ dedication to fostering career readiness, strengthening industry and government partnerships, and empowering its graduating students with the competencies, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive workforce. Through initiatives such as this, the University continues to fulfill its mission of producing globally competitive graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.