RC Makati Hosts Career Guidance Seminar for Grade 10 Students of Gen. Pio del Pilar NHS

As part of its continuing commitment to youth development through Vocational Service, RC Makati once again conducted its annual Career Guidance Seminar for Grade 10 students of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

Held on March 27, the activity brought together 150 Grade 10 students for an inspiring and informative session designed to help them gain a clearer perspective on their future career paths and professional aspirations.

Career Guidance remains one of RC Makati’s core projects under Vocational Service, providing young students with valuable exposure to the realities of professional life. Through this initiative, Rotarians and invited speakers share practical insights, personal experiences, and lessons from their respective careers to guide students as they prepare for senior high school and beyond.

The seminar was facilitated by the Club’s sponsored Interact Club, with full support from RC Makati through the provision of meals, logistical requirements, and overall event coordination.

Prior to the program, a courtesy call was made to the school’s newly appointed principal, Dr. Emi Cajigal, to formally introduce the activity and strengthen partnership with the school.

The program proper was emceed by Interact Club Pres. Sam Chavez together with Interactor Nap Cordoviz. It opened with a prayer led by Interact Club Vice Pres. Kyle Resurrection, followed by a warm welcome message from Dr. Cajigal, who expressed her appreciation for the initiative and its relevance to the students.

Pres. Eddie Galvez delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that the seminar was not merely an informational session but an opportunity to help shape the students’ future. He encouraged them to learn from the speakers’ real-life experiences, including the challenges they encountered along the way. Acknowledging the uncertainty that many students feel at this stage, he reassured them that such feelings are normal and urged them to remain resilient, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams with determination. He also highlighted the importance of dreaming big—not only for themselves, but also for their families, community, and the nation.

New Gen Youth Service Dir. Patrick Parungao followed with his own message, encouraging the students to embrace uncertainty as part of their journey. He reminded them that it is okay not to have everything figured out yet, and that growth comes from exploring different interests and learning from both success and failure. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a path with purpose and building strong character anchored on integrity, discipline, and kindness.

The resource speakers were introduced by Club Adviser Mrs. Arlene Okuma, after which the series of talks proceeded seamlessly.

Rtn. Ric Gindap, Creative Director and Chief Strategist of Design for Tomorrow, shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to building a career in the creative industry. He spoke about the realities of pursuing a creative path—highlighting both its challenges and its rewards—and encouraged students to stay grounded, embrace failure, and remain committed to continuous learning.

Baby Rtn. Art Villafuerte, Surgeon and Vice President of Mindoro Medical Center, discussed the importance of making informed and practical career decisions. He advised students to consider not only their interests but also the long-term relevance of their chosen fields. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized perseverance, focus, and the ability to turn challenges into motivation.

Rtn. Iggy Martinez, CEO of three companies under V3, Inc., shared his journey from corporate employment to entrepreneurship. He underscored the value of discipline, work ethics, and consistency, noting that success is built over time. He reassured students that it is normal to feel uncertain and encouraged them to explore different paths while staying committed to their goals.

Rtn. Ken Vergano, Vice President of UnionBank, concluded the series of talks by sharing his professional journey in the banking and finance industry. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning, patience, and perseverance in achieving career growth. He also reminded students to maintain balance in life and to trust in God’s guidance throughout their journey.

An engaging plenary Q&A session followed, allowing students to interact directly with the speakers and gain further insights. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the speakers, which included baskets of freshly harvested vegetables from the school garden.

This activity highlights the strong engagement of the Interact Club of Gen Pio DPNHS, which has remained active since its reactivation during the term of PP Michael Escaler in RY 2022-2023, through the initiative of Rtn. Tony Lopez. Beyond organizing activities such as this Career Guidance Seminar, Interactors continue to participate in various Club projects, including tree planting activities in Marikina Watershed and UPLBFI in Quezon, as well as feeding and mental health awareness programs.

Through initiatives like this, the Club, together with its Interact partners, continues to invest in the development of young leaders by guiding them as they take their first steps toward shaping their future.