Ready, Set, INITIATE! A Movement for Education and Opportunity
Education has always been the cornerstone of progress—but how do we ensure it keeps pace with an ever-changing world? That question took center stage at the INITIATE 2025: The Career and Education Congress, where collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia aimed to bridge the gap between classrooms and careers. For INK Enderun, being part of this national gathering was not only an honor but a glimpse into the future of learning and work.
Co-presented by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines ( ECOP ) and Creat8 Stories Inc.,in partnership with EduCare Research and Development Foundation and acknowledged by the Department of Labor and Employment ( DOLE ), the event lit up at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall last October 17-19, 2025. The three-day national gathering brought students, educators, industry leaders, and government partners with one mission— to bridge education and employment through collaboration, innovation and purpose.
Day 1 opened with sessions like “Beyond Burnout: Mental Health, Balance, and Redefining Success” by Optum, which explored how to pursue growth without sacrificing well-being, and “Navigating Life, School, and Career” by Edukasyon PH’s Joshua Toquero, which helped students align their values and goals.
Day 2 continued the momentum with “Future-Ready Teaching with EdTech” by Eloisa Chin, guiding educators to integrate technology into learning, and “Guiding Your Future: Making Informed Choices in Senior High School and Beyond” by Asec. Georgina Yang, empowering students to make informed academic and career decisions.
Aside from the insightful talks and sessions, attendees also had the chance to explore various booths from concessionaires and school representatives. These exhibits showcased the opportunity to visit, ask questions, and learn more about different academic programs, training opportunities, and career pathways. The booths added an interactive layer to the congress, allowing students to connect directly with institutions and discover possibilities beyond the sessions.
Adding to the depth of conversations, Carlo Rhey D. Pallado, Supervising TESD Specialist of NITESD-LDD, delivered “Skills for Success: The Non-Traditional Edge in the Changing Job Market,” highlighting alternative career tracks through TESDA’s skills-based programs. He emphasized how vocational and technical training can lead to competitive, future-proof employment in an evolving job market.
Equally inspiring was “Her Future, Our Future: Empowering Women for Tomorrow’s Workforce” by Nina Terol of FoundHer, which underscored the importance of mentorship, representation, and empowerment for women in today’s professional landscape.
Beyond the talks, the congress also featured performances such as the QUADLIPS Performance, which brought energy and creativity to the floor, connecting art and advocacy The event culminated in the INITIATE-ED Circle: Aligning Education with the Demands of
Tomorrow, a collaborative panel that gathered voices from DOLE, ECOP, CHED UniFAST, and DepEd. The discussion centered on aligning curricula, certifications, and workforce initiatives with industry needs—bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
As Asec. Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. of DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment shared,
| “This Congress aligns with our Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023–2028, focusing on employability, access to opportunities, and shared labor market governance.”
Meanwhile, ECOP Director General Jose Roland Moya stressed the importance of a future-ready workforce—one that is adaptable, resilient, and equipped with both technical and human skills. More than just a congress, INITIATE 2025 became a space of connection and collaboration. Thousands of students, educators, and professionals gathered to share ideas, form networks, and ignite their purpose.
As Kayla Cabasal of Creat8 Stories Inc. aptly stated,
| “The future is not built by one sector alone, but when we choose to come together. That’s the story of INITIATE, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of it.”
As INITIATE 2025 came to a close, its message resonated deeply: the bridge between education and employment is built on partnership, purpose, and perseverance. Through shared insights and meaningful dialogue, the congress set a strong foundation for the next generation of Filipino changemakers. Through shared insights and meaningful dialogue, the congress set a strong foundation for the next generation of Filipino changemakers. INK Enderun remains proud to have witnessed — and contributed to this inspiring movement toward a more inclusive, connected, and future-ready nation.
