2 San Simon-News & Press – Next Generation Technological College

Letting Go, Handling Life

Acceptance does not weaken resolve. It sharpens it. When reality is acknowledged, decisions improve. Stress becomes manageable. Focus is restored. This inner strength allows individuals to respond with intention rather than react with fear.

As 2025 draws to a close, two words stand out with clarity: Letting Go. This is not a retreat from responsibility. It is a deliberate decision shaped by experience. In an environment marked by constant change, holding on to outdated expectations, fixed plans, and familiar comforts has become a liability rather than a strength.

In the real world, letting go is understood as a necessity. Strategies are revised. Structures are streamlined. Leaders move forward by releasing what no longer serves the organization. The same principle applies beyond the workplace. Personal growth now demands the same discipline and maturity.
Looking ahead to 2026, four words define the mindset required: I can handle this. These words reflect readiness, not ease. They acknowledge pressure while affirming capacity. They speak to resilience built over time, not confidence borrowed from circumstances.
This perspective is closely tied to spirituality, a concept often misunderstood. Spirituality is not about religion. It is about accepting reality as it exists. It is about strengthening the inner self so that challenges can be faced with clarity and balance.

In today’s demanding landscape, the most effective professionals are not those who attempt to control everything. They are those who manage themselves well. They let go of what drains energy and commit to what builds capacity.

“I can handle this” is not a declaration of perfection. It is a steady assurance grounded in preparation, self-awareness, and perspective. It reflects leadership that is calm, measured, and dependable.

As the years turn, letting go may be the discipline that defines 2025. Handling what comes may be the posture that carries us through 2026. Together, they point to a quiet strength that remains essential in both business and life.

So, I just have two words for 2025 – Letting go. And for 2026 the four words I can utter is “I can handle this.

Spirituality is about accepting realities. It is not just about religion. It is about strengthening our inner self so that we can handle everything that is in front of us.

NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE’S ENHANCED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: A STRATEGIC PATHWAY TO SKILLS, STABILITY,AND LOCAL OPPORTUNITY

Sources used in this article include TESDA employment

and graduation statistics, national policy documents,

and government surveys from official TESDA releases

and Philippine Information Agency reporting

In a rapidly evolving labor market where traditional college degrees no longer guarantee employment and the specter of brain drain continues to erode local talent, Next Generation Technological College (NGTC) is set to unveil its Enhanced Development Program (EDP)— a comprehensive educational model that integrates technical skills, industry credentials, enterprise training, and career pathways to equip learners from kindergarten to career transition with work‑ready competencies and entrepreneurial adaptability

A National Imperative: Skills, Jobs, and Futures

Statistics from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) illustrate why such reform is urgent and strategic. In 2024, nearly 1.4 million Filipinos graduated from TESDA‑accredited courses, with over 1.2 million applying for competency assessment and approximately 872,000 achieving certification as skilled workers—an assessment rate of more than 90% among applicants. Statistics from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) illustrate why such reform is urgent and strategic.
In 2024, nearly 1.4 million Filipinos graduated from
TESDA‑accredited courses, with over 1.2 million applying for competency assessment and approximately 872,000 achieving certification as skilled workers—an assessment rate of more than 90% among applicants. More critically, data from TESDA’s 2024 Study on Employment of TVET Graduates (SETG) revealed that 83.34% of technical‑vocational (tech‑voc) graduates secured employment after training, upfrom 79% the previous cycle. This figure climbed even higher in key regions such as Central Luzon, posting a 90.07% employment rate—a testamentto the resonance between skills training and industry demand.

NGTC Smashers Debut in Pampanga Inter-Zonal Badminton Doubles, Capture South Zone Crown

By Bhenjar Toor

Are you better than a grade 5?

The Next Generation Technological College (NGTC) made a spirited entrance onto the regional stage as its Girls Doubles Badminton Team debuted at the Pampanga Inter-Zonal Tournament on November 17 at the TBM Imperial Arena. Representing the Private Schools Association of Pampanga (PRISAP) South Zone, the young duo, both just in the fifth grade, brought a mix of grit, talent, and early promise to their maiden appearance.

NGTC’s pair, Jhayrine Ricelle Maniulit and Haizen Natalie Capit, opened their campaign in style, outlasting the North Zone in a three-set thriller, 15–10, 5–15, 13–11. It was an early glimpse of their resilience—weathering momentum swings, adjusting on the fly, and showing no signs of nerves despite the magnitude of the stage.

But their next matchup reminded them just how steep the regional climb can be. The Central Zone, one of the tournament’s heavyweights, delivered a commanding performance. Although the Smashers kept both sets close, NGTC couldn’t break through, falling 14–16 and 12–15.

Still very much in contention, Maniulit and Capit entered their final match needing a spark. Instead, fatigue caught up with them. The East Zone seized the advantage, capitalizing on NGTC’s waning energy to close out the contest in straight sets, 15–10 and 15–9, ending the Smashers’ first run at the Inter-Zonals.

“The last game… we were just really tired,” the girls shared, acknowledging that their inexperience showed against a more seasoned East Zone squad.

Despite the challenges, Maniulit took pride in how far they had come. Her mother, she said, was “very happy” not only with her South Zone championship but with the chance to represent both NGTC and San Simon on a regional platform. Capit, meanwhile, admitted Badminton wasn’t even her usual sport—but she embraced the challenge, captured the San Simon title, and carried the South Zone banner all the way to the Inter-Zonals in her competitive debut.

NGTC didn’t walk away empty-handed either. The school also celebrated podium finishes from Angel Princess Marie Miranda and Princess Aliyah Nicole Arma, who both secured silver medals to round out a strong overall showing for the Smashers program at the South Zone level.

With many of their toughest opponents set to graduate this year, NGTC’s young core is already eyeing next season. If this debut proved anything, it’s that the Smashers are just getting started and the future looks fast, fierce, and full of potential with Coaches Aiza Cayanan and Elmer Lalu still leading the charge for the NGTC badminton program.