Over 115 participants attended the 2024 HR Forum organized by the UPLB Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) on November 13, 2024, at the REDREC Auditorium, College of Economics and Management, UPLB. 

The event featured updates, observations, and reminders regarding HRDO processes and services, offering a platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration.

This year’s forum marked a significant shift in approach. Formerly known as the Administrative Officer’s Forum (AO Forum), the event has been rebranded as the HR Forum to promote inclusivity and extend participation beyond administrative officers. 

Recognizing the essential contributions of other university personnel, the forum now welcomes researchers, extension staff, and faculty members, emphasizing teamwork and shared responsibility for the university’s success.

HRDO Director Roderick C. Javar emphasized the significance of this shift during his remarks, “Narerecognize po natin na hindi lamang mga AO natin ang mga gagawa ng mga importanteng task dito sa university. Kaya invited din po kayo ngayong taon. Nasa context po ito ng team spirit, na bawat isa ay integral para doon sa successful na mga programs ng isang opisina,” he said.

(We recognize that it is not only the AOs who accomplish the important tasks here in the university, thus we invited you this year. This is in the context of team spirit, that each is integral to the success of the programs of an office.)

Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando T. Bello’s opening remarks set the tone for the presentations by the section heads of HRDO. 

Vladimir G. Amatorio, head of the Recruitment, Selection, and Appointment Section (RSA), kicked off the discussions by outlining the updates on recruitment, placement, and appointment processes, specifically for administrative employees. 

Building on this, Rosalyn Mabel M. Jimera, head of the Position Classification and Staff Development Section (PCSD), discussed staff privileges, performance management, and learning and development programs and assistance designed for administrative personnel. 

To round off the session, Ammiel V. Talatala, head of the Employee Benefits Section, clarified various employee benefits and shared updates on upcoming benefits caravans. 

In his closing remarks, Javar emphasized the HRDO’s deep commitment to fostering collaboration across the university. 

“Sa context ng collaboration, ay nag-e-extend kami parati ng aming kamay sa inyong mga opisina. Isa po sa aming mga programa ay ang malocalize ang mga Learning and Development pati na rin ang Employee Benefits Service Caravan. Mapapansin po ninyo na kami mismo ang pumupunta sa inyong mga opisina. Ang sabi ko nga sa mga kasama—‘as long as Wazeable ang location, pupuntahan natin.’ Naniniwala po tayo sa inclusivity at naniniwala rin po tayo sa collaboration. Magkakasama po tayo sa paglilingkod sa university,” he said. 

(We always extend our hands to you. One of our programs aims to localize Learning and Development and the Employee Benefits Service Caravan. You have probably noticed that we ourselves go to your offices. I often tell my colleagues, that for as long as you are “Wazeable,” we will go to you. We believe in inclusivity and collaboration. Together, we serve the university.)   (Yra E. Bautista)