PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) is collaborating with various partner companies on internship and recruitment as part of its focus to improve the employability outcomes of its students.

It recently partnered with GBLC, a leading child development and intervention center in Sta. Cruz, Laguna for its education students. Two of PHINMA UCL’s B.S. Psychology students, Mr. John Rey D. Babaan and Ms. Monica Ashley Riñon, did their internship at GBLC where they were taught how to handle children with special needs.  The school focuses on SpEd intervention, evidence-based teaching practices, and a child-centered school readiness program. Following their successful internship, the two interns were absorbed for employment as Assistant SpEd teachers recently.  

Mr. Babaan shared: “I learned how to communicate and understand the children.” Because of his dedication and excellent performance, he was recognized and awarded as Best in On-The-Job Training by the school administrator, Mr. Neo Boongaling, and SpEd Program Directress, Ms. Kathleen Lois Boongaling. 

 “I learned how to identify and understand the different needs of each student, and how to properly handle them. I never thought that I was capable of doing so, even though I was still in training. It was a great first OJT. It made me decide that I want to be a part of GBLC,” shared Ms. Riñon.

Teacher Kat Boongaling added, “We highly commend Mr. Babaan and Ms. Riñon for their professionalism and flexibility. The kids adored Teacher Rey for his warmth and patience towards them during his internship period. Kudos to Teacher Ash for her willingness to learn and connect with the kids. Though this experience was new to them, both worked well with their superior, accomplished their duties, and even went beyond what was expected. We are glad to have them on our team! Congratulations to the entire team of PHINMA Union College of Laguna for honing and equipping their students with the right work attitude prior to the internship!”

Dean Junna P. Aspiras, Dean of the BS Psychology Program said, “ I am very happy that Mr. Babaan and Ms. Riñon were successfully absorbed through our internship program. I am a believer and supporter of relevant partnerships like these. They provide real-life experiences to our students in developing their professional skills, values and character.”

PHINMA Education is one of the biggest private education networks in the Philippines. There are two schools in Laguna – PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL) in Calamba and PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) in Sta. Cruz which aim to provide quality education to the underserved students of Laguna and  its neighboring areas.  PHINMA RCL offers Criminology, Accountancy, Business Administration major in Marketing Management, Tourism Management, Psychology, Civil Engineering, Secondary Education major in English and Filipino. PHINMA UCL, on the other hand, offers Information Technology, Psychology, Criminology, Accountancy, Elementary Education, Secondary Education major in English and Filipino, Hospitality Management and Business Administration major in Marketing Management.

Mr. Neo Boongaling and Ms. Kathleen Lois Boongaling, of GBLC, flank their successful recruits, Ms. Monica Ashley Riñon (in brown) and Mr.  Mr. John Rey Babaan (in white).