<![CDATA[Graduate employability remains a critical performance indicator for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) amid rapidly evolving labor market demands that require both technical competencies and career adaptability. This study adopts a descriptive evaluative research design for evidence-based policy formulation to assess the effectiveness of internship and job placement programs implemented through the Academe–Industry Linkages and Placement Office (AILPO) of National University Baliwag. Data were collected from 120 graduates from Academic Years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 using a validated survey instrument. Findings revealed that 71.7% of graduates were employed and 11.6% were self-employed, resulting in an overall employability rate of 83.3%. The effectiveness of AILPO services received an overall mean rating of 4.04, with job vacancy dissemination and career guidance services obtaining the highest ratings. However, post-employment follow-up emerged as the lowest-rated service area, indicating a significant policy gap in long-term graduate support and career monitoring. Program-level differences in employability were observed, with graduates from business and technology-related disciplines demonstrating stronger employment outcomes than those from tourism-related programs. Guided by Tomlinson's Graduate Capital Theory, the study proposes a lifecycle-based employability framework that integrates graduate tracking systems, alumni engagement initiatives, industry collaboration, and curriculum-embedded career readiness programs. The findings provide empirical evidence for strengthening institutional employability policies and advancing sustainable graduate career development beyond initial employment outcomes.]]>
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