Being a working student often feels like walking a tightrope between work and school, with the constant fear of falling behind in either. Yet, working students are making it work for the sake of their future, even when it sometimes feels impossible. This is why Filipinos are encouraged to join in celebrating the first-ever National Working Students Day on March 21.
Pioneered by the Philippines’ premier digital-first college Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), this day is dedicated to honoring the extraordinary efforts of students who balance demanding work schedules with their pursuit of education, striving for career advancement and financial independence. It’s also a call to action for organizations, employers, and the academe to bolster their support for this often overlooked sector.
As a staunch advocate of working students through its Step Up Sa Pangarap movement, MMDC, a college under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, aims to recognize the achievements of working students and empower them to Step Up in their careers, lives, and finances through education.
To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by working students and the kind of support that they need, MMDC conducted a survey in partnership with data forensics company Nerve. Key insights were revealed during the National Working Students Day media launch.
Conducted in February 2025, the survey revealed that 56% of respondents said that having not enough time to balance work and studies is one of the challenges of being a working student. Working students surveyed cited flexible schedules (75%) and online/hybrid learning (52%) as their most critical support needs. Nerve also reported that 86% of respondents expressed their eagerness to upskill.
“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 Jenny Chua, vice president at Mapúa Malayan Digital College. “Our core curriculum is complemented by online learning strategies designed to provide them flexibility, accessibility, and practical support.”
Recognizing the unique demands of working students, MMDC is leading a vibrant community of organizations, employers, and other advocates dedicated to their success in the academe and in their respective industries.
Academic Support
In terms of academic support, Mapúa Malayan Digital College has launched two powerful tools designed to transform their educational journey.
First, it has elevated its learning platform by introducing AI Coach and AI Dialogue to support self-paced study and access to content from top universities and organizations from around the world this academic year. This allows working students to tailor their MMDC experience and optimize their learning. This upgrade complements MMDC’s flexible online learning, personalized mentorship from industry-recognized academic coaches and mentors, and Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) approach that focuses on practical and relevant hands-on exercises to ensure student success, rather than traditional exams.
Second, Mapúa Malayan Digital College is expanding educational opportunities for those who want to upskill with its new Career Leap Pad Certification Program, a collection of internationally recognized microcredential courses providing relevant, industry-aligned skills to non-graduate jobseekers, working professionals, and career shifters seeking to advance their careers or explore new paths. The Career Leap Pad Certification Program focuses on high-demand industries such as Virtual Assistance, Marketing, and Technology. Delivered online and accessible without a college degree for as low as PHP9,000, the certifications can boost one’s CV and LinkedIn profile in three months or less.
“National Working Students Day serves as an invitation to empower undergraduates who dream of completing their college education or advancing their careers. We hope today we can shine a light on the transformative power of education and also the strong community of support that can provide solutions and help them achieve their goals and improve their lives,” added Chua.
Support from Employers and Advocates
MMDC’s network of partners supporting working students includes Ayala Corporation, Yuchengco Group of Companies, McDonald’s Philippines, Globe, GCash, 7-Eleven, RCBC, Microsoft, Concentrix, Sutherland, iQor, Everise, Genpact, Negros Occidental Provincial Government, Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), and IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and Rappler. This community provides working students with Continuing Education Scholarship programs, work and study programs, upskilling programs, internships, and employment opportunities.
To further amplify advocacy and solutions for working students, Mapúa Malayan Digital College brought together influential speakers to the National Working Students Day media launch. They joined Chua in the panel discussion, Filling in the Gaps: What Organizations are Doing to Support Working Students.
Adi Hernandez, assistant vice president of McDonald’s Philippines, discussed their efforts to upskill their employees. One of the programs under this is its Continuing Education Scholarship with MMDC. Hernandez emphasized how MMDC’s learning model also allowed McDonald’s Philippines to remove common barriers to balancing work and studies–by offering flexible work hours and strategic branch assignments.
TV host and education advocate Bianca Gonzalez reflected on her experience as a working student and championed continuous learning.
“At whatever stage we are in, the world is moving so fast. Everything is changing so fast, we cannot stop learning,” underlined Gonzalez, referring to how MMDC’s Career Leap Pad Certification Program can benefit her and other working professionals. “The jobs five years from now, don’t even exist yet. If we don’t learn more, we’ll be left behind.”
Echoing Gonzalez’s sentiment, Jean-Anne Pangue, training coordinator at Rappler, explained how working students or anyone who would like to upskill can benefit from online learning platform RappLearn and its partnership with MMDC. According to Pangue, RappLearn supports MMDC’s learn-at-your-own-pace flexible model and provides everyone a chance to learn directly from media experts that can enhance one’s media and digital awareness skills, a must in the digital age.
“National Working Students Day underscores the importance of community and collaboration. We’re grateful for the partnerships and support that make our work possible. Together, we’re creating a network of opportunities for working students, ensuring they have the resources and empowerment to succeed. We invite everyone to join us in this mission,” shared Chua.
Join Mapúa Malayan Digital College in celebrating National Working Students Day on March 21 at the Activity Center in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati from 10AM to 7PM, and at the Banwa CoWorking Space in Bacolod City from 10AM to 12NN. At these events, MMDC will honor outstanding working students, share insights from industry leaders, and connect students with top employers.