ADDU SHS Students Chart Their Next Steps at Career Day 2026
On 30 October 2026, students from the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School unit took a closer look at their futures during Career Day 2026, a full-day program of career talks and breakout sessions with the University’s five schools: the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Business and Governance (SBG), School of Education (SOE), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), and School of Nursing (SON).
Clusters from each school set up interactive displays in key areas across the campus. The displays presented the academic programs each school offers, the skills and competencies these programs develop, and the career paths open to their graduates.
A future “at your doorstep”
The program opened with remarks from Dr. Gina L. Montalan, Vice President for Basic Education, who reminded the students that the future is nearer than they think. “The future is no longer a distant horizon… to each of you; it is right here at your doorstep,” she said.
Dr. Montalan added that Career Day was designed to give students meaningful exposure to a wide range of academic and career pathways through direct engagement with professionals and experts in the field, many of whom are outstanding graduates of the University’s Higher Education Unit.
Ms. Ima V. Oani, Coordinator of the ADDU SHS Wellness and Testing Center, described Career Day as a milestone in the students’ transition to college. “This is the end part as you transition from senior high school to college, and a starting point of your career development,” she said.
Ms. Oani recalled that the Senior High School readiness assessments, which measured achievement in English, science, and math, along with aptitude and interests, guided students toward their electives. She said that the event is the culmination of the said process, giving students a clearer view of the opportunities awaiting them in higher education.
Career talks and breakout sessions
The career talk proper introduced students to the different career paths and programs they may pursue in higher education. They then moved through five rounds of breakout sessions, held per school, to learn more about what each school offers.
Higher Ed alumni share their paths
The career talk featured five notable alumni, one from each of the University’s schools. They shared how their years at Ateneo de Davao prepared them for their fields and gave students a firsthand look at the careers their chosen programs can lead to.
Mr. Ed Ivan M. Bardoquillo, RCh, MSc (SAS) is an Assistant Professor and researcher at ADDU who graduated Summa cum Laude in Chemistry. His work spans polymers, nanotechnology, and plastic waste management, and he has published in Scopus-indexed journals.
Ms. Sharmaine Dianne Mamaed, CPA CMA (SBG) graduated Summa cum Laude and as Class Valedictorian in Accountancy. She ranked 4th nationwide in the 2015 CPA Licensure Examination and placed 3rd globally in the January/February 2026 US CMA Examination window. She is now Manager for Finance Controllership at Frontier Tower Associates Philippines.
Ms. Ailene Renee G. Tagorda, LPT (SOE) graduated Magna cum Laude in Secondary Education, major in Science. She currently teaches in the ALS-SHS program at F. Bustamante National High School and has led climate and women-in-science initiatives.
Ar. Fritz Mari S. Sendrijas, UAP (SEA) graduated Magna cum Laude in Architecture and placed first nationwide in the June 2023 Architecture Licensure Examination. He is now an architect at Aidea, Inc. and a national review lecturer at JPT Review Center.
Mr. Clifford Jay P. Cafe, RN (SON) graduated Magna cum Laude in Nursing and placed 2nd in the August–September 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination. He is currently a researcher at TopRank Review Academy.
Scholarships, student life, and enrollment
The closing program began with a presentation of scholarship programs by Ms. Devi Joy Barcena, Scholarship Officer of the Office of Admission and Aid. She introduced three college scholarships: the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Scholarship, the Jubilee Scholarship Fund (JSF), and the Working Scholars Program (WSP).
Mr. Gene Leo A. Jesuro, Director of the Office of Admission and Aid, invited the Senior High School students to join the Higher Education Unit and introduced them to student life at the University, including student organizations under the assemblages of socio-civic, culture and arts, faith and formation, and more. He also highlighted the University’s formation programs, Ignatian spirituality, service learning, and academic excellence.
Dr. Maria Teresa B. Isidor, Assistant to the VP-HE for Academic Matters, delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the Vice President for Higher Education. She welcomed the students on behalf of the Higher Education community, noting that the University “offers one of the diverse ranges of academic programs in the region, if not in the whole Mindanao.”
Dr. Isidor urged the students to use their remaining time in Senior High School to reflect seriously on their choices. “Ask yourself, what kind of work excites me? What am I genuinely interested in?” she said.
She also acknowledged that the abundance of options can be overwhelming. “With so many choices, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, listen to yourself. Know your strength. Recognize your interest. And be honest about what you want to pursue,” she said.
As students prepare for their next chapter, the University remains committed to guiding them toward higher education and the careers they choose to pursue.
