One of the highlights of the PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS) leadership program is the annual Career Day.
The yearly gathering for all scholars aims to emphasize the PHINMA core values of professionalism and competence. This year, PNS offered three breakout sessions for the scholars: Survivor Camp 2.0, Financial Management 101, and Teachers as Nation Builders.
Survivor Camp 2.0 was a refresher course based on the last leadership conference. It focused on strengthening the scholars’ understanding of the following concepts: mindfulness, problem-solving, innovation, decisiveness, and, optimism. Through games, lectures, and reflection, the scholars were able to understand what it means to be a competent leader. This session was facilitated by members of the PNS Alumni Association (PNSAA), Princess Nazarita and Cherry Magundayao.
Managing finances is one of the major concerns of the youth today. This year, the Financial Management 101 session was carefully designed to meet the needs of the PNS Scholars. From managing their monthly allowances to discussing financial planning in the future, the scholars were able to come up with practical solutions on how they can better manage their funds and savings. This session was facilitated by PNSAA members, Rhoma Dimasaca and Ralph Ramos.
The session Teachers as Nation Builders focused on teaching in the public schools, which is part of the PNS program’s return service for education majors. The panel session included several speakers: PNSAA members who are now public school teachers, Rovie Pacaldo and Ronnalie Asto-Coco, Hannah Lumahan and Micah Bautista from Teach for the Philippines, and 2012 Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee, Mr. Galcoso Alburo.
The speakers shared about their journeys as public school teachers and also oriented the scholars about the application and interview process.