Written by Brixson Julian
Community Association of Youth in Action (CAYA) organizes a three-day career guidance program in Zamboanga City, catering specifically to unemployed individuals aged 16-24. It was coined Acing Career through Employability Readiness (ACER), and the initiative aimed to address the challenges faced by young job seekers in the region.
Held from December 26 to 28, 2023, at the Conference Room, Annex Building, Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao, Edwin Andrew’s Airbase, Santa Maria, Zamboanga City, ACER focused on delivering comprehensive career path guidance sessions. The program sought to equip participants with essential competencies crucial for successful employment and at the end of the program they received employment readiness kits containing their respective documents such as crafted resumes, and cover letters.
During the first two days, participants engaged in informative sessions and practical activities facilitated by Ms. Fadzrati Asarud, RPm. The activities included career path testing and skills inventory exercises. Asarud provided valuable insights into individual strengths and areas for development. Industry professionals, such as Mr. John Dave Valiente, an Employment Care Specialist, and Mr. Harliegh Louie Leonin, a Talent Acquisition Specialist, offered their expert guidance on navigating the competitive job market, acing interviews, and crafting effective resumes.
The program’s final day was used for refining the participant’s resumes, along with an informative session on the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) by Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) Staff, Ms. Marisol Joice B. Legaspi. This session focused on creating YOMA accounts to access opportunities provided by the platform, giving the participants more resources for their future career endeavors.
As the program progressed to its final day, participants continued to receive guidance and support in refining their resumes. Additionally, an informative session on YOuth Agency MArketplace (YOMA) was conducted by Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) Staff, led by Ms. Marisol Joice B. Legaspi. The session focused on creating YOMA accounts and accessing a pool of opportunities provided by the platform, offering invaluable resources for future career endeavors. As we mark the culmination of the ACER initiative, we distributed employment readiness kits to the participants. These kits contained vital copies of their personal documents, including identification papers and various-sized ID pictures, alongside meticulously crafted resumes, and cover letters.
An appreciation to the following agencies who helped us in the conduct of the activity, Tactical Operations Wing – Western Mindanao and Supreme Student Council Society of the Philippines – Zamboanga Chapter for venue provision and technical support; and Ateneo Learning and Training Education Center, the commissioner of the program.
The ACER initiative stands as a model of economic empowerment, equipping Zamboanga City’s youth with the necessary knowledge and resources to steer their professional journeys successfully. Until today we still have the connection with our participants through a Messenger Channel – continuing our commitment in providing them the support and opportunities to indulge with.
