PALO, LEYTE — Rotaract clubs across the Philippines continue to champion initiatives that enhance the capabilities of the Filipino workforce. Whether by opening doors to employment or providing platforms for professional growth, Rotaractors go above and beyond to share their knowledge—helping fellow Filipinos become more competitive, skilled, and job-ready.
This mission was at the heart of the first-ever #SkillUp activity organized by the Rotaract Club of Tacloban, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Mayor of Palo, SK Luntad and Guindapunan, and other Sangguniang Kabataan councils and organizations in the municipality.
The one-day upskilling activity gathered around 80 participants aged 15 to 50—braving heavy rain yet eager to enhance their employability through practical and technology-driven learning.
The first module introduced participants to Canva, a free and accessible design tool for creating professional résumés, personal portfolios, and promotional materials. Facilitated by Mr. John Dave Enciso, a National Schools Press Conference qualifier and member of the nationally recognized Explained.PH, the session highlighted Canva’s AI-assisted features that help tailor résumés to specific job descriptions. Participants seeking public-sector employment learned about standardized résumé formats, while those aiming for private or creative industries discovered techniques for designing eye-catching portfolios and marketing materials.
The second module focused on effective résumé writing and interview preparation, led by Trisha Mae Llagas, a Rotaractor and instructor at Southern Leyte State University. She emphasized the importance of customizing résumés to match job descriptions and introduced participants to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—software that screens applications before they reach hiring managers. The session also tackled the strategic use of keywords and how to align them with employer expectations.
Participants then took part in a mock interview workshop, practicing common interview questions such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” Through guided feedback, they learned how to give concise yet impactful answers that reflect their confidence and readiness for real-world interviews.
The final session gave participants a competitive edge in professional development by introducing the TESDA Online Program (TOP). Matthew Jolo Palacio, a Rotaractor and Technical Assistant III at the DepEd Regional Office VIII, demonstrated the Microsoft Digital Literacy Course—a free, eight-hour online training recognized by TESDA and Microsoft. The session walked participants through the five modules, post-test procedures, and certification process. Participants successfully registered and earned their certificates, giving them a verified qualification to strengthen their employment applications.
#SkillUp reaffirmed the commitment to empowering communities by bridging education, technology, and employability. Indeed, the Rotaract Club of Tacloban stands united with Rotary International—not only equipping Filipinos, especially Leyteños, with new skills but also inspiring them to embrace continuous learning as the key to a better and more resilient future.
