More than 500 Senior High School students from seven public schools in the City of San Fernando attend the first “Go Negosyo” conference held December 6 at the Laus Group Event Centre.
This was initiated by the Local Government of San Fernando, in partnership with the City Schools Division, to prepare the students for the real world if they decide to look for jobs instead of pursuing tertiary education.
“In few months we will be producing the first graduates of the k-12 program and we cannot assure that all of them will go to college. That’s why we are introducing to them the concept of entrepreneurship and the attributes of a successful employee or employer so they can choose what career to land after finishing high school,” said Senior High School focal person Dr. Lawrence Agapito in an interview.
Highlight of the program was the sharing of success stories with humble beginnings of some notable personalities and businessmen from Bank of Florida, Fresh Options and Hausland Development Corporation.
There was also a table discussion focused on topics such as bread and pastry, IT or software development, welding and fabrication technology, refrigeration and air-conditioning, tourism, automotive and wellness.
In his speech, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Mallari told the students that they are already employable because the program has provided them specific skills and learnings that match the needs of the labor market.
“You won’t be underestimated once you seek for employment because you are qualified based on the curriculum framework offered by the Department of Education,” he added.
For his part, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago said that San Fernando, known for being a consistent business friendly and competitive city, offers numerous job and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“With our new vision to be a Model City of countryside development, as we continue to expand economic activities and attract new businesses that will create more jobs for our beloved Fernandinos, we also prioritize human capital development wherein, we prepare the younger generations to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge so that they will be competent for their future,” the city mayor added.
Also present during the conference were Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and Councilor Harvey Quiwa.