For many Filipino working students, earning a college degree is no longer enough. They need skills—specific, practical, and job-ready—to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
This was one of the talking points at the media launch of the first #WorkingStudentsDayPH, organized by Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) last March 18 at Honeycomb Manila.
Bringing together educators, employers, and advocates, the event spotlighted the realities of working students and how flexible, skills-based education can open new paths forward.
MMDC’s VP for Marketing and Admissions, Jenny Chua, said the school’s flexible model is designed with working students in mind.
“We launched MMDC to serve the underserved—working students who need to balance school, work, and life,” she said.
“That’s why we’re fully online. It gives students access to education wherever they are.”
MMDC’s upgraded model, dubbed “MMDC 2.0,” includes AI-driven coaching and microcredentials focusing on in-demand roles like virtual assistance, digital marketing, and IT.
The school has partnered with global brands such as Meta, Google, and IBM to align course offerings with industry needs.
“It’s not just about the diploma anymore,” Chua said. “It’s about whether you have the skills that employers are looking for.”
This shift toward skills-first education echoes the findings of a recent survey by Nerve and MMDC.
Over 86 percent of respondents said they wanted to upskill, but many cited time and cost as barriers. Short courses and microcredentials, which require less time and money than a full degree, have emerged as practical solutions.
Nerve strategist Joaquin Mercado said the demand is clear.
“Students and workers aren’t lacking ambition. They’re just limited by time and financial pressures,” he said.
“They want flexibility and real-world learning that fits into their lives.”
TV host and education advocate Bianca Gonzalez, who shared her own story as a former working student, emphasized the urgency of continuous learning.
“The jobs five years from now don’t even exist yet,” she said. “If we don’t keep learning, we’ll be left behind.”
Employers are also adapting to the changing times. Assistant Vice President at McDonald’s Philippines, Adi Hernandez, said their partnership with MMDC supports crew members who want to grow professionally.
“We’ve seen how microcredentials can complement our own training,” she said. “Education and employment should go hand in hand.”
Media organizations are joining in, too. Jene-Anne Pangue, training coordinator at Rappler, said they offer online learning and fellowships to help students develop digital and reporting skills.
“We want to support learners with values, not just technical skills,” she said.
For MMDC, the goal is to bridge the gap between education and employability.
“We’re here to empower students—not just to graduate, but to succeed in the workforce,” Chua said.