Manila, Philippines — September 2025 — Creat8 Stories Inc., together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and the EduCare Research and Development Foundation, officially launched INITIATE 2025: The Career & Education Congress, a first-of-its-kind national gathering set to take place on October 17–19, 2025 at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall.

INITIATE 2025 aims to bridge education and industry by bringing together students, educators, employers, and government partners to foster collaboration and prepare the Filipino workforce for the evolving world of work. At its core, the Congress underscores the importance of education as a driver of national progress, and highlights how partnerships between the government and private organizations are vital to building a resilient, future-ready workforce.

“This Congress is very much aligned with our Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023–2028, which focuses on increasing the employability of our workforce, expanding access to employment opportunities, and achieving shared labor market governance,” said Asec. Patrick Patriwirawan Jr., OIC Assistant Secretary of DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment. “Through this Congress, we provide a platform to empower young people and job seekers as they gain practical insights on employment trends, connect with government programs, and learn about career development support programs.”

Representing the private sector, ECOP Director General Jose Roland Moya underscored the critical role of education-industry alignment. “INITIATE is more than just a conference—it’s a forward-looking platform that seeks to build an ecosystem of ideas and a dynamic network of changemakers from government, industry associations, academe, and civil society. The future of work demands a workforce that is agile, adaptable, and equipped not only with technical skills, but also with creativity, critical thinking, and resilience,” he said.

Over the course of three days, attendees can expect:

INITIATE-ED Talks – Inspiring presentations from leaders and innovators on the future of work and education.

INITIATE-ED Circles – Panel discussions addressing skills gaps, workforce readiness, and education-industry alignment.

Networking & Exhibits – Opportunities for schools, companies, and organizations to showcase programs, innovations, and career pathways.

With thousands of expected participants—including senior high and college students, educators, NGOs, business leaders, and industry professionals—INITIATE 2025 seeks to become a national movement that strengthens public-private partnerships to uplift the education and employment landscape in the Philippines.

“At the heart of it all, INITIATE 2025 is about connection, between classrooms and offices, between policies and practice, and between students and their dreams,” said Kayla Cabasal, who leads INITIATE 2025 under Creat8 Stories Inc. “The future is not built by one sector alone, but when we choose to come together. That’s the story of INITIATE, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of it.”

Join the movement. Don’t miss INITIATE – A Career & Education Congress, happening on October 17–19, 2025 at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall.

For tickets and more information, visit https://bit.ly/InitiateTickets.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES