Gaining practical knowledge and essential guidance in employment, student leaders from the Council of Leaders (COL) of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus attended the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) held at ORDEx, Monday, May 18.
Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the session featured discussions from Labor and Employment Officers Maria Jasmine Andrade and Innah Jona Fe Cumpio on standard deployment guidelines, indicators of illegal recruitment, and key provisions aligned with Republic Act No. 11641.
Participants were also oriented on the latest overseas deployment statistics for land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) recorded in 2025, along with a detailed presentation on the recognized legal modes of hiring for overseas employment.
In her message, Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) Director Dr. Sonia Enrile emphasized the importance of knowledge as a tool for students navigating either global opportunities or their initial steps into the workforce.
“Whether you are seeking global opportunities or exploring your first career steps, of course, knowledge is your powerful weapon. This activity will equip you with essential tools, guidelines, and provide comprehensive awareness on the realities of employment and safe job searching,” she remarked.
The seminar then transitioned into a focused discussion on the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) campaign, aimed at strengthening student awareness against fraudulent employment schemes.
During this session, Atty. Melani Calceta reminded the student leaders that employment opportunities overseas do not always guarantee a better life, cautioning them against deceptive offers that could result in exploitation.
“Diri nga tanan nga nakadto ha abroad maupay it kabutang. Mayda mga sob stories, of course, but diri ngatanan nga na-promise hin trabaho ha abroad, nag susumat hin kamatuoran or na-lead hin success. Sometimes, nagle-lead ito ha mga pangaabuso, trafficking, or maybe, more utang for you. The best passport for success is not desperation – it is informed decision-making, it is awareness,” Atty. Calceta emphasized.
Meanwhile, first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student Florida Jane Gad shared that the seminar helped raise awareness and encouraged a proactive mindset among students regarding employment risks.
“I feel happy since I have learned many ways to learn about those illegal recruitment, we seminarees are having a sense of awareness towards this risk; through this seminar students are well informed of the risk and because of that it is easier to prevent illegal recruitment. It is a big help,” Gad said.
The seminar concluded with an open forum and synthesis of key discussions, reinforcing the role of informed decision-making in helping students navigate both local and global employment opportunities safely.
Article by Niña Marañon