BSIT students gear up for workplace readiness in pre-deployment seminar
by John Fritz Cabalhin
As fourth-year BSIT students prepare to step beyond the classroom and into real workplace environments, the College of Information Technology Education (CITE) of Abuyog Community College (ACC) held a Pre-Deployment Seminar on January 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in Computer Laboratory 2. Spearheaded by OJT Coordinator Mr. Crisostomo Arias in collaboration with BSIT fourth-year student organizers, the seminar helped students prepare for their On-the-Job Training for Academic Year 2025–2026, covering key topics such as sexual harassment in the workplace, proper workplace conduct, and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The afternoon seminar served as foundation for BSIT students as enter real workplace settings, focusing not on technical skills alone, but on the realities of professional conduct, personal safety, and responsibility.
The program begun with a welcome message from Mr. Franco Salamanca, CITE Instructor who reminded students that OJT is their first exposure to professional culture. Salamanca noted that while knowledge can be learned on the job, attitude, discipline, and awareness must be practiced from day one.
The first session, led by Marian Joy Brillo, Office of Students Affairs (OSA) Assistant Director, tackled Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, a topic that immediately drew attention from students. Brillo walked participants through situations that may appear casual but can already fall under harassment, emphasizing that such acts are not limited by gender. She explained that harassment can be verbal, physical, or online, and clarified how a joke crosses the line when it becomes unwelcome or uncomfortable. She also outlined the proper process of reporting incidents, stressing that trainees have the right to speak up and seek help through established channels.
During the discussion, students listened intently, many taking notes as real-life examples were presented. A short question-and-answer segment followed, where concerns about gray areas in workplace behavior were raised.
The second speaker, Mr. Crisostomo Arias, BSIT OJT Coordinator, discussed the Data Privacy Act of 2012, linking it directly to the responsibilities of IT professionals. He explained that even trainees are accountable when handling personal and sensitive information, and that small lapses in judgment can have serious consequences. Arias reminded students that being in IT means being trusted with data, and that trust must be protected at all times.
The final talk was delivered by Juden Jay Pantin, CITE Instructor, which shifted the focus to daily workplace conduct through his talk on the Do’s and Don’ts in the Workplace. He highlighted common mistakes made by OJT trainees, including hesitation to ask questions, failure to follow instructions, and underestimating the importance of attitude.
Pantin stressed that technical ability alone is not enough. He emphasized that supervisors often remember how trainees respond to feedback, follow directions, and interact with others. The session resonated with students, especially during the Q&A portion, where questions centered on handling mistakes and dealing with pressure in professional environments.
Each talk was followed by a question-and-answer portion, allowing students to clarify concerns and raise workplace-related scenarios. Tokens of appreciation and certificates were presented to the speakers after their respective sessions.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation to student attendees, followed by a photo opportunity, formally marking the end of the program.
The Pre-Deployment Seminar equipped BSIT students with a clearer understanding of workplace expectations as they prepare to begin their On-the-Job Training.