Demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing student career readiness and community engagement, the Mindanao State University at Naawan – Office of the Student Welfare (MSUN – OSW) and Office of Student Development (OSD), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Naawan through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Naawan, successfully conducted the MSUN Job Fair on July 15, 2026.
Bringing together graduating students, job seekers, government agencies, and industry partners to create meaningful employment opportunities and strengthen the transition from education to the workforce, the job fair forms part of the university’s continuing efforts to equip students with career opportunities beyond the classroom.
Through its partnership with LGU Naawan and PESO Naawan, the activity connected participants directly with employers, allowing them to explore vacancies, submit applications, and gain valuable insights into current industry expectations.
The initiative gathered partner agencies including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region X and participating employers from the PNP Regional Office X, Ororama Chain of Stores, Primacy Medica Dialysis, Jejor’s Construction Corporation, Purple Moon Food Trading, and Hoc Po Feeds Corporation. The activity also welcomed onsite applicants from Maputi Senior High School and Xavier University–Initao, extending employment opportunities beyond the MSUN community.
Setting the tone for the event, Ms. Dinah Kendra A. Lumactad expressed her gratitude to the participating employers for responding to the university’s invitation and for investing their time and resources in supporting the aspirations of future professionals.
Addressing the graduating students, she emphasized that the event was organized with their future in mind, reminding them that the resumes they carry represent years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. She encouraged participants to seize every interaction with industry partners as an opportunity to demonstrate not only their academic achievements but also their character, potential, and passion.
The spirit of collaboration was likewise underscored by Ms. Jovie Pagalan, representing PESO Naawan, who expressed her appreciation to MSUN for opening its doors to job seekers through the partnership. She highlighted that initiatives like the Job Fair strengthen the connection between the university, local government, and industry while creating accessible employment opportunities for both graduating students and members of the surrounding communities.
Echoing this message, University Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, in her Message of Support, reminded participants that while technical competencies may open doors, it is character that sustains success in the workplace.
“Employers prefer character. Skills may get you the interview, but integrity, humility, resilience, and willingness to learn will build your character.”
She encouraged students to remember that, as ambassadors of MSU at Naawan and of the Municipality of Naawan, they carry the values of the institution wherever their careers may lead them.
Dr. Roa also reflected on the rapidly evolving world of work, noting how technological advancements—including artificial intelligence and automation—continue to reshape industries. Despite these developments, she emphasized that there are qualities technology can never replace.
“Artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies are transforming industries. Yet there are qualities that technology can never replace—your honesty, your compassion, your creativity, your network, and the heart that serves others. AI can never replace that.”
Her message served as a reminder that while innovation will continue to redefine the workplace, integrity, empathy, resilience, and a willingness to learn remain indispensable qualities that distinguish individuals in any profession.
Following the opening program, participants engaged directly with recruiters during the Job Fair Proper, where they explored career opportunities, submitted application documents, and gained firsthand insights into the qualifications and competencies sought by various employers.
Through the combined efforts of the Office of Student Welfare, Office of Student Development, LGU Naawan, PESO Naawan, DOLE Region X, and participating industry partners, the MSUN Job Fair reiterates the value of collaboration in preparing future professionals for meaningful careers. More than connecting applicants with potential employers, the initiative underscored that in a rapidly changing world, skills may secure opportunities—but character remains the foundation of lasting professional success.