Date: July 17, 2026
The culmination of the Practicum (MGT 196) course on the morning of July 17, 2026, is a testament to our students’ grit, resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to learning. It also reflects the invaluable collaboration and generous support of our partner business organizations, whose willingness to mentor and provide meaningful learning opportunities has been instrumental in cultivating competent, ethical, and socially responsible future professionals.
The Practicum exemplifies the strength of a genuine partnership between the academe and industry. By opening their workplaces, sharing their expertise, and entrusting our students with meaningful responsibilities, our partner organizations have transformed classrooms into spaces where theories are tested, refined, and brought to life. Together, the university and industry prepare graduates who possess not only technical competence but also the character, perspective, and sense of purpose needed to contribute meaningfully to organizations and society.
The students’ reflections best capture the transformative nature of this journey. Many spoke of the fulfillment they experienced when persistence and meticulous attention to detail enabled them to successfully balance financial statements and complete bank reconciliations, or when they were entrusted with organizing operational schedules and realized what it truly meant to think and act like managers (Venalyn Manapsal). Others appreciated being immersed in diverse functional areas instead of routine tasks, discovering that every assignment—paired with the patient guidance of their supervisors—deepened their understanding of how organizations function and achieve their goals (Charmy Amoguis). One lesson resonated strongly throughout their experiences: “Make mistakes early, act quickly, and recover fast” (Stephanie Panangin). It is a reminder that professional growth is not achieved by avoiding failure but by responding to it with humility, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Beyond technical competencies, our students also discovered the broader purpose of management. They witnessed organizations that demonstrated how sound business performance can coexist with genuine service to communities, affirming that organizational success and the welfare of the Filipino people are not competing goals but complementary aspirations (Janna Germano). They likewise gained a deeper appreciation for organizations that bridge the private and public sectors, fostering collaboration among businesses, government, and other stakeholders to create initiatives that generate meaningful and lasting impact (Suazo & Villacora).
These reflections affirm that the Practicum is far more than a curricular requirement. It is a transformative experience where knowledge becomes practice, competence is strengthened through experience, and values are formed through service, collaboration, and accountability.
As we celebrate this milestone, Pasalamat is our heartfelt expression of gratitude—to our partner business organizations for believing in our students and investing in their development; to our Practicum Teachers, whose patience, mentorship, and genuine commitment to student learning have extended beyond the classroom, guiding our students as they transformed academic knowledge into meaningful workplace experiences; and, above all, to our students for embracing every challenge with determination, professionalism, and integrity. This shared commitment among the academe, industry, and our learners has made the practicum a truly transformative experience.
And as we look beyond this culmination, Padayon becomes more than an encouragement to move forward. It is a call to pursue lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and purposeful leadership. As Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan aptly observed, “Our universities continue to produce talented graduates and excellent researchers, but many still work under resource constraints that limit what they can accomplish.” May this reality not discourage our graduates but instead inspire them to become professionals who transform limitations into opportunities, challenge the mindset of “ganon na talaga,” (Gerald Jamero) and create innovative solutions that advance organizations, communities, and the nation.
For while the Practicum has reached its culmination, the greater journey has only begun. Pasalamat for the experiences that have prepared you. Padayon in your pursuit of knowledge, excellence, and meaningful service. May you become lifelong learners, courageous leaders, and principled professionals who transform knowledge into action, challenges into opportunities, and aspirations into lasting change for the organizations, communities, and nation you are called to serve.
