ANGARA WELCOMES NEW BATCH OF GRADUATES

As commencement season goes into full swing this April, Senator Edgardo J. Angara welcomes the fresh batch of graduates as the new additions in the Philippine workforce.

"A whole new life awaits these graduates. There are several opportunities available to them, whether they choose to join the workforce or go back to school for further study," he said.

According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, those who have the means and the drive to pursue further education should do so.

"A lot of scholarships and study grants are up for grabs for the students who want to go into graduate studies. This is a good option for those who want to stay in the academe and contribute to higher knowledge," he said.

Of course, most of this year's college graduates will be looking for employment as soon as possible. Some are worried about not getting a job suited to their course, while others will consider taking jobs below their level of education.

When asked about the country's unemployment problem, Angara advised the new graduates to think creatively when looking for a job within their area of expertise.

"It's all a matter of knowing where to look. For example, our nursing graduates are having a notoriously difficult time getting the required training and finding regular employment because of the lack of vacancies in the big hospitals. They could instead choose to become part of the regional and provincial health units--that way they could get additional training while giving back to their community."