Manric Del Mundo Turla, OIC-Assistant School Principal
Subic Bay Freeport Zone — During the monitoring of work immersion program, 10 Grade 12 students from the Home Economics strand of the Technical, Vocational, & Livelihood (TVL) Track at Kalalake National High School – Senior High School (KNHS-SHS) showcased not only their competence but also values and character during a 20-day deployment at Zoobic Safari, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), December 27.
The early deployment of work immersion, which took place from December 11, 2023, to January 2, 2024, was part of the students’ practical application of competencies learned in their specialized subjects as TVL-HE students, performing housekeeping tasks and local tour guiding, providing them with hands-on experience and real-world application of their skills.
The deployment was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) stipulating the responsibilities and expectations of both parties, signed and notarized on December 7, 2023, between KNHS-SHS Principal IV, Dr. Soledad E. Pozon, and Zoobic Safari HR Manager, Sir Jonathan C. Oca, and was witnessed by Sir John Bryan R. Balolong, Work Immersion Coordinator of KNHS-SHS, and Ms. Sheryl O. Torres, HR Staff of Zoobic Safari.
During a recent monitoring visit of KNHS-SHS work immersion monitoring team held on December 27, 2023, Sir Oca commended the work immersion students, describing them as “independent, dependable, competent, and well-mannered.” This praise goes beyond the students’ technical skills and extends to their overall conduct and character, reflecting positively on the school and the program.
“That is what I keep on telling my students. Good manners and right conduct are two of the most important ingredients in the real world of work. Competencies can be mastered and exhibited after training, but without proper values and character in the workplace, competence is meaningless,” said Mrs. Marishella B. Lapid, TVL-HE specialist and adviser.
The students’ performance in housekeeping tasks demonstrated a high level of proficiency and attention to detail, while their ability to provide local tour guiding showcased not only knowledge of the attractions but also effective communication skills which left a lasting impression on visitors and the Zoobic Safari management.
“I believe the school’s flagship program on character-based education, ‘Hubog Mabuting Asal na Pampaaralang Inisyatibo Tungo sa Agat na Galing At Ningning (MAPITAGAN)’ contributed a lot in this commendation received. Channeling the DepEd Core Values of MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa, the Hubog MAPITAGAN intensified the reiteration and strengthening of values and character development among the students in our school. This goes with the dream of producing learners who are not just competent but also character-driven inside and outside the school,” said Sir John Bryan R. Balolong, Work Immersion Coordinator.
“Beyond their technical competencies, the work immersion students of KNHS-SHS exhibited values of teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and adaptability. Their interactions with Zoobic Safari staff and visitors reflected a strong work ethic, punctuality, and a positive attitude,” said Ms. Sheryl O. Torres, HR Staff, highlighting the holistic development fostered by the Senior High School program at KNHS.
Dr. Soledad E. Pozon, Principal IV, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “This work immersion program not only equips our students with practical skills but also emphasizes the importance of character development. We are delighted to see our students thriving in a professional setting, showcasing their competence and exceptional character.”
The success of this work immersion program not only strengthens the collaboration between KNHS-SHS and Zoobic Safari but also sets a benchmark for future initiatives that prioritize both technical competence and character development among students. As educators and industry partners continue to work hand-in-hand, the integration of practical experiences with values-based education proves to be a winning formula for preparing students for the challenges of the workforce.
