By Monsi A. Serrano
Drawing from their firsthand experience inside Novartis Philippines and the inspiring journeys shared by speakers during the Day of the Future program of the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines, students observed how science, innovation, and patient-centered work intersect in real time. But beyond seeing cutting-edge processes, they encountered something far more meaningful: the reminder that the future is shaped not only by intellect, but by learning fearlessly, embracing possibility, and leading with purpose.
Much of their inspiration came from the human stories behind professional success. Mentors spoke candidly about academic struggles, evolving aspirations, and the unexpected turns that shaped their careers. The students realized that purpose is often discovered not through rigid plans, but through openness, curiosity, and the courage to grow.
In many Filipino households, education is regarded as the greatest inheritance parents can pass on to their children — the equalizer that opens doors, strengthens character, and offers the promise of a better life. This belief came into sharp focus for nine students from the Philippine Science High School during the third edition of the Day of the Future in the Philippines, where an ordinary school day transformed into an immersion that reshaped how they viewed their own paths and their role in nation-building.
What began as a typical morning of classes quickly became a rare opportunity to witness careers up close — not through books, videos, or lectures, but through real workplaces, real people, and honest stories from professionals who once stood exactly where they are now.
Experiencing the Future Beyond the Classroom
Inside the offices of Swiss companies like Novartis, the students observed professionals at work and engaged in conversations on science, innovation, advocacy, and leadership. The experience allowed them to see how ideas, discipline, and collaboration come together in real-world environments — a perspective no traditional classroom can fully offer.
A Moral Reminder That Stands Out
Among the lessons shared, one message resonated deeply.
Dr. Peter Paul Ronque, a Philippine Science High School alumnus and now a respected professional in the pharmaceutical industry, opened with a simple but powerful reminder: do not cut classes. Every class missed, he stressed, is an opportunity lost. For students raised in a culture that sees education as a vital inheritance, his words carried weight. Dr. Ronque’s journey — from Pisay to medicine and eventually into the pharmaceutical field — showed that discipline and curiosity can open unexpected but deeply rewarding paths.
The Call to Purpose
Bernadette Joy “Beej” Almirol added another dimension by emphasizing the role of today’s youth in shaping the future of health, science, and innovation in the Philippines. She urged them to remain courageous, compassionate, and committed to contributing to their communities — turning their education into something larger than themselves.
When Careers Take Unexpected Turns
Livia Meisser, Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy, echoed this reflection by sharing her own journey from studying law to discovering her vocation in diplomacy. She reminded the students that careers rarely follow straight lines — and that openness and courage often lead to the most meaningful opportunities. Her message eased the pressure many young people silently carry: the expectation to have their futures mapped out too early.
What the Students Carried Home
Through the Day of the Future, the Swiss Embassy showcased how experiential learning can ignite curiosity and sharpen purpose. Supported by the Department of Education, the program showed students the real-world impact of science, collaboration, and meaningful work — insights no traditional lesson can replicate.
The students returned to school carrying more than new knowledge. They carried a renewed sense of responsibility, a deeper appreciation for their education, and the conviction that they have vital roles to play in shaping a stronger Philippines.
Having witnessed the program firsthand, one thing was unmistakable: these young minds — our future leaders — left with clarity, confidence, and purpose. And in them, I saw something even more powerful: the quiet but certain beginning of a movement. The Day of the Future was no longer just a program or an annual activity — it became a mindset they chose to begin today, through every action they take, every curiosity they pursue, and every moment they take their studies seriously.