By Monsi A. Serrano
Through its “Day of the Future” initiative, the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines, together with Novartis and the Department of Education, offers young learners a rare glimpse into real-world careers, turning curiosity into purpose and inspiration.
For nine students from the Philippine Science High School, a typical school day turned into an eye-opening exploration of the professional world, thanks to the third edition of Day of the Future in the Philippines.
Organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines in partnership with Novartis Philippines and the Department of Education, the initiative offered students a rare opportunity to experience real-world work environments—far beyond classroom lectures or textbooks.
For the first time, the Swiss Embassy also invited select media representatives, including THEPHILBIZNEWS, to witness the students’ experience firsthand. This addition underscored that the event was more than career guidance—it was a hands-on engagement with innovation, curiosity, and purpose.
Experiencing Careers First-Hand
The Day of the Future, an annual tradition in Switzerland, is dedicated to children—the future of the world. In the Philippines, now on its third year, the program allows learners aged 11 to 16 to explore careers through hands-on immersion. Students participate in actual work scenarios in offices and laboratories, gaining insights into professional life and discovering potential career paths in ways that books or films cannot replicate.
At Novartis Philippines, students met Dr. Peter Paul “Pipo” Ronque, Medical Manager, who shared his journey from a Philippine Science High School student to becoming a doctor, and later, a professional in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Ronque emphasized that professional paths are rarely linear, and that discovering one’s purpose often comes through exploration and experience.
“Being a doctor is not just about treating patients directly,” Dr. Ronque said. “Joining a pharmaceutical company gave me a platform to influence many doctors and improve patient care on a broader scale. Curiosity and openness to new paths can lead to unexpected, meaningful opportunities.”
Curiosity and Purpose Over Ambition
Students also heard from Ms. Livia Meisser, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines, who shared her own professional journey from lawyer to diplomat, highlighting that career paths are often nonlinear.
“Paths are often not linear, and that’s what makes professional life exciting,” Ms. Meisser said. “Follow your passions wherever they may lead, and stay open to unexpected opportunities along the way. Today is about discovering those possibilities.”
Bernadette Joy “Beej” Almirol, Health Economics and Outcomes Research Manager of Novartis Philippines, reinforced this message by emphasizing the youth’s role in shaping the future of health and innovation in the Philippines. She encouraged the students to remain courageous, committed, and curious—qualities that define purpose-driven work beyond personal ambition.
Students Reflect on Possibilities
When asked about their takeaways by THEPHILBIZNEWS, the students shared reflections that revealed newfound optimism and perspective.
“This experience allowed me to focus on myself in the present. My future path doesn’t have to be fixed, and that is okay,” one student said.
Another added, “We’re still young. There’s time to explore. Seeing a company like Novartis in action makes me hopeful and inspired about what the future could hold.”
Many students expressed that their initial career ideas had expanded. They realized that curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities, and that what matters most is developing purpose and contributing to society.
Seeing Swiss Innovation in Action
The hands-on immersion gave students a glimpse of Switzerland’s global reputation for innovation and excellence. They observed office work, scientific processes, and teamwork—experiences many had never encountered in a single day.
“I never imagined what an office in a pharmaceutical company looks like, much less what the work entails,” one student shared.
Through direct engagement with professionals, the students learned about science, medicine, resilience, adaptability, and the value of continuous learning—lessons extending far beyond the classroom.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The third-year celebration of Day of the Future in the Philippines reaffirms the Swiss Embassy’s commitment to inspiring Filipino youth through experiential learning. By opening doors to real workplaces, students develop curiosity, creativity, and purpose—skills that will guide them as they navigate their future careers.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Meisser reminded students that the most valuable lessons are not about ambition alone but about nurturing curiosity and courage.
“This day is about more than exploring careers,” she said. “It is about inspiring young minds to shape their own futures with purpose, courage, and curiosity.”
As the students left the immersion, they carried with them more than knowledge—they carried confidence, renewed optimism, and a sense of purpose, showing that experiential learning can ignite a lifelong commitment to discovery and impact.