UP SOLAIR Empowers Communities Through Voter Education and Employment Opportunities
Quezon City – The University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR), the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC), together with its students, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering informed citizenship and decent work through two impactful events: a seminar on responsible voting and a dynamic job fair.
Your Vote Matters:
A Guide on Responsible Voting
On November 25, 2024, the IR 225 (Design and Administration of Training Programs) class, under the guidance of Dr. Virgel C. Binghay, hosted “Your Vote Matters: A Guide on Responsible Voting.” Held at the Isabelo de los Reyes Auditorium, the seminar aimed to empower Filipino voters ahead of the 2025 elections by bridging civic education with practical insights.
The seminar emphasized informed decision-making, voter rights, and responsibilities, and how to navigate the voting process. Key sessions included:
●Ms. Dothy Grace Bungay, who explained the power of individual votes in shaping governance.
●Atty. Michael Daguinod, who outlined the roles of elected officials in influencing public policy.
●Dr. John Mark Distor, who tackled media literacy, teaching participants how to identify credible sources and combat misinformation.
The event catered to 48 on-site participants and over 3,300 livestream viewers, equipping attendees with the tools to make informed voting decisions and advocate for their civic rights.
Job Fair 2024: Discover, Connect, Grow
Continuing its advocacy of promoting employment, the IR 202 (Work and Organization) class of Dr. Binghay organized the SOLAIR Job Fair 2024 on December 5, 2024. In collaboration with the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (QC PESO) and the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC), the job fair connected 21 companies with over 40 eager job seekers.
Sixteen companies reported on-the-spot hires, and participants benefited from expert sessions led by:
●Mr. Migs Abellar, who provided insights on interview preparation.
●Ms. Grace Guevarra, who guided attendees in crafting effective CVs.
●Coach Darwin Rivers, who educated participants about their rights as employees.
Partner organizations included the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), which assisted attendees with employment-related inquiries, alongside support from sponsors and partner companies across industries.
Transformative Learning in Action
Both events exemplify UP SOLAIR’s commitment to addressing critical social issues while providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their learning. The IR 225 and IR 202 classes worked collaboratively, emphasizing the importance of preparation, teamwork, and leadership under the guidance of Dr. Binghay.
Through initiatives like these, UP SOLAIR continues to foster informed, empowered, and employable citizens, contributing to national development.