By Jennielou Pigao

To provide an avenue for graduating students and their potential employers, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) conducted its largest job fair yet for graduating students on June 28 at Teatro Ilocandia. 

Organized by the MMSU Career Hub Unit of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), this year’s job fair accommodated 59 private companies and 12 government agencies in the province. 

Hon. Medeldorf Gaoat, Board Member of the Second District of Ilocos Norte, served as the guest speaker during the event. He expressed his support by encouraging the graduating students to serve with passion and diligence once they graduate from MMSU.

As the number of participating companies and agencies doubled, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis extended her gratitude for the trust given to MMSU, stating that “the MMSU brand of academic excellence has always been a top choice among recruitment companies and agencies”.

Meanwhile, Prof. Emil James Tanagon, OSAS director, said that the job fair prepares graduating students for real-life work situations by equipping them with the needed knowledge and skills. Prof. Tanagon also highlighted that the graduating students underwent pre-employment coaching activities and mock interviews to prepare for the job fair. 

Also present during the event were Dr. Geraldeen Pascual, chief of the MMSU career hub unit; Police Colonel Frederick Obar, Provincial Director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office; Lt. Colonel Adrian Gayuchan, Chief of Police of the City of Batac Police Station; Ms. Leona Villa Duldulao of DOLE; Mr. Chandler Higoy, assistant head of PGIN PESO; and Ms. Chloe De la Rosa, job fair focal person of DOLE.