Basud town provides career counseling to HS students

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- The municipal government of Basud is providing career counseling to junior and senior high school students in the locality to help them develop a comprehensive career navigation plan.

“Students must recognize their strengths and interests early,” said Tobias Obrero Jr., manager of the Basud Public Employment Service Office, as he explained the purpose of the counseling.

The first career coaching session was held for Grade 10 students at San Felipe Basud National High School on February 17.

“The presentation was very enlightening for us. As students, we gained important information and lessons that will help us make our decisions,” said 16-year-old Alexis Pacleta. He was one of 66 students from San Felipe National High School who participated in the career guidance session.

Pacleta expressed his happiness about attending the career coaching session and thanked the facilitators for their guidance. He now feels confident about the path he will take in the future.

His classmate, Erin Marie Pacao, said that, although she already had a clear idea of the course and career she wanted to pursue, the session was very eye-opening for her.

She learned a great deal about the different strands, especially the Technical Vocational Livelihood strand. As a result of the session, Pacao is now considering choosing a different strand.

During the coaching session, Obrero shared valuable insights on career choices, job opportunities, and the importance of making wise decisions for the future.

“Students should identify their strengths and interests early to build pathways they may not have considered,” Obrero said.

He guided the students on how to find a job, appreciate the value of employment, and make informed decisions when choosing a career path.

Obrero emphasized that selecting the right career is not just about personal success but also about contributing to the progress of their community.

One of his key points was the responsibility of students to recognize and maximize the opportunities provided by the government.

He reminded them that scholarships, educational programs, and other forms of government support are funded by taxpayers’ money, which includes the hard-earned income of their parents.

“Wasting these opportunities is equivalent to squandering the efforts of those who work hard for their families and contribute to the country’s economy,” he stressed.

The students were also briefed on the evolving job market, particularly the rise of information technology-related careers and the decline of traditional or obsolete jobs due to digital transformation and automation.

He cautioned students about careers that may no longer be relevant in the future and encouraged them to align their career choices with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Obrero also introduced the students to the programs and services offered by the PESO and other government agencies that provide educational and employment assistance.

He underscored the impact of career choices on the local economy, wherein poor career decisions can lead to unemployment, which in turn, increases the number of individuals dependent on government aid rather than contributing to community progress.

He also challenged the students to become productive citizens by making wise, informed, and responsible career decisions.

The career coaching initially targeted five schools in town following Obrero’s coordination visits to schools in January this year.

Obrero said that the next schools they will be conducting career coaching at are Tuaca National High School, Dominador Narido High School, Basud National High School, and Pagsangahan Integrated School. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)