The Philippines marked its inaugural National Working Students Day last 21 March 2025, honoring students who balance work and education to support themselves.

This initiative is spearheaded by Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), a digital-first institution dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by working students. Through its Step Up Sa Pangarap movement, MMDC seeks to empower working students by providing educational opportunities that foster career growth, financial independence, and personal advancement.

“Mapúa Malayan Digital College has been addressing the challenges of working students through our student-focused and modern BS Information Technology programs, which equip them with workforce-ready skills highly sought after in both global and local job markets,” said MMDC vice president Jenny Chua. “Our core curriculum is complemented by online learning strategies designed to provide flexibility, accessibility and practical support.”

To mark the occasion, MMDC has launched Career Leap Pad, a series of fully online certification programs designed to equip working students with specialized skills for the growing gig economy.

The program offers short certification courses in Virtual Assistance, Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, Adobe Content Creation, IBM Data Analytics, and Meta Social Media Marketing. These microcredentials are designed to help students secure jobs that align with their skills and career goals.

“The reason why people chase after certification, aside from gaining skills, is to legitimize their capabilities for potential employers,” said MMDC Instructional System Design director Noel Torregoza.

MMDC is also developing future programs focused on emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and machine learning.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, Career Leap Pad integrates Coursera’s high-quality courses, specializations, and micro-credentials, supported by AI-assisted learning. To maintain academic integrity, MMDC is implementing an authenticator to verify students’ original work.

Upon completing the courses, students will receive guidance from career coaches to refine their resumes, improve interview skills, and connect with potential employers.

Enrollment is open from the 1st to the 20th of each month, with classes beginning on the first of the following month. The initial enrollment period is currently ongoing, with classes set to start in April. Course fees range from P5,000 to P9,000 per program.

“National Working Students Day serves as an invitation to empower undergraduates who dream of completing their college education or advancing their careers,” Chua said.

“We hope to highlight the transformative power of education and build a strong community of support that helps working students achieve their goals and improve their lives,” he added.