09/07/2026
The NU Manila Academic Internship and Placement Office (AIPO) proudly recognized its valued industry partners during the 3rd Annual Partner Appreciation Event, "Gratitude and Growth," honoring their unwavering support for student employability, experiential learning, and career success.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of the Outstanding Student Interns for AY 2025โ2026, selected from each college's Best Student Intern. The awardees were Lizel Clarin from the College of Allied Health, Maureen Jae Cruzada from the College of Computing and Information Technologies, Christian Buraga from the College of Education, Arts and Sciences, Adeline Marquez from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Mark Jerome Lativo from the College of Engineering. Also recognized was Ms. Danica Maeve Cachero, the Outstanding Student Intern of NU Manila for AY 2025-2026 from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA). Their recognition symbolized the strong partnership between academia and industry in fostering student success and professional development.
The program also featured inspirational messages from the panel of judges: Mr. Kenneth Florendo, Director of the Faculty Services Office; Ms. Loisa Fundar, CPA, recipient of the Don Mariano Fortunato Jhocson Award (2022) and Analyst, Finance Business Unit at Johnson & Johnson; and Ms. Sheena Roxas, Team Manager for Special Projects at SM Offices. In their remarks, they underscored the transformative value of internship experiences and the importance of strong industry partnerships in preparing students for their future careers.
Adding a personal perspective to the program, Ms. Trixiah Anne Maurez Gumba of the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS), the Outstanding Student Intern for AY 2024โ2025, delivered a heartfelt testimonial, sharing how her internship experience contributed to her personal and professional growth.
The celebration concluded with a Gratitude Toast led by Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., National University President and CEO, and Dr. Leo Del Rosario, Dean of the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS), joined by university officials, college deans, internship coordinators, industry partners, and members of the academic community.
The event reaffirmed the vital role of industry-academe collaboration in developing future-ready graduates and creating meaningful opportunities for student success.
๐ท: NU The National
