Mr. Marju Geslani, CEO of CertifyPro (left), and Mr. Krishna Alejandrino, Executive Director of JA Philippines (right), during the signing of the partnership agreement at the JA CertifyPro Event.

Junior Achievement of the Philippines, Inc. (JA Philippines) has signed a memorandum of agreement with CertifyPro Review Center to boost youth employability and career readiness, marking another milestone in the organization’s 56-year mission of empowering students.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the signing ceremony gathered academic partners and industry leaders as both institutions formalized their collaboration to provide students with access to high-quality review resources for certification exams.

“For 56 years, JA Philippines has remained steadfast in its mission to transform young lives through programs anchored on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy,” said Dr. Krishna C. Alejandrino, executive director of JA Philippines.

Beyond skills training, Career Connect also provides unique perks through its review center partnerships. Students get a free taste of actual review quality before committing to full programs, exclusive access to CertifyPro practice questions, and a much-needed confidence boost ahead of certification exams. Once certified, participants also gain increased visibility to headhunters and recruiters actively seeking job-ready professionals, opening doors to valuable career opportunities.

Schools also benefit directly from the program. By enhancing graduate employability and competitiveness in the job market, Career Connect strengthens the JA certification ecosystem and fosters closer collaboration between schools and industry. Institutions that participate build a stronger reputation as sources of high-caliber, certified talent—helping bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness.

Alejandrino also stressed that the partnership is “not just about an agreement on paper, it is about creating opportunities for students to gain access to high-quality review resources, boost their confidence in certification exams, and open doors to employment opportunities with recruiters and headhunters.”

Faculty and student representatives from various universities listen as Mr. Marju Geslani, CEO of CertifyPro, speaks at the JA Philippines x CertifyPro partnership event.

JA Philippines also recognized its partner schools that will benefit from the initiative, including Centro Escolar University–Malolos, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Open University System, PUP Main, St. Dominic College of Asia, Tarlac State University, University of Santo Tomas, and Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc.

“These institutions stand to benefit greatly from this collaboration. Through this initiative, they can strengthen their support for student career readiness, enhance graduate employability, and reinforce their reputation as producers of highly capable and job-ready professionals,” Alejandrino added.

With CertifyPro as a partner, JA Philippines aims to extend its reach in preparing students for the challenges of the global workforce. The review center equips examinees with the knowledge and confidence necessary to excel in professional certification tests, which often serve as entry points to employment opportunities.

Alejandrino said the collaboration is envisioned to benefit not only students but also academic institutions, which are expected to see stronger support systems for career readiness initiatives.

“We are excited about the journey ahead as we work hand-in-hand with CertifyPro, our partner schools, and our students, to ensure that together we continue building a future where young people are not only prepared but also empowered to succeed in the ever-changing global economy,” he said.

The agreement underscores JA Philippines’ commitment to expand its programs on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy while strengthening ties with the private sector and academe.

“As we look forward to this meaningful partnership, we know it will bring lasting impact to both students and schools alike,” Alejandrino stated.