USTP CDO Human Resource Management Division

On January 21, 2026, our twelve (12) newly hired regular employees of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Cagayan de Oro formally took their oath of office. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter of dedicated service, commitment, and professionalism in public service.

We congratulate the following employees:

1. Kharen Mae S. Arconada - Instructor I
2. Al-Nor D. Ansao - Instructor I
3. Dr. Haydee Y. Sevilla - Professor I
4. Dr. Cindy C. Llego - Professor I
5. Rozano A. Pimentel - Instructor I
6. Douglas Kent R. Maña - Instructor I
7. Dr. Wilfreda G. Sabanal - Professor I
8. Ma. Geraldine D. Barros - Assistant Professor I
9. Dr. Macrine Grace G. Amato - Associate Professor V
10. Jhon Paul C. Tanguamos - Instructor I
11. Trizha Kyra Feb B. Tongco - Instructor I
12. W***y Jean Balanay - Admin Aide VI

As you formally assume your roles, may you consistently uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and excellence in the performance of your duties. The University looks forward to your meaningful contributions in advancing USTP’s mandate and in delivering quality, responsive, and efficient service to the community. Welcome to USTP, and best wishes on your journey as public servants.

Caring for our public servants is at the heart of public service. ❤️

With the new Wellness Leave, government workers can take up to five (5) days to rest, recharge, and care for their well-being, ensuring that every public servant has the space to recover and return to work with renewed clarity, strength, and purpose.

Puso, Dangal, at Galing para sa Bayan.

👇 Full press release in the comments.

📣 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The HRMD successfully conducted the Effective Business Communication Training last December 3, 2025, at the COM AVR, USTP Cagayan de Oro. The session was led by our esteemed resource speakers, Ms. Crystal Sylvette Lavender P. Raro and Ms. Maria Doreen Cuevas-Rañada, who delivered a comprehensive and practical discussion on clear messaging, professional correspondence, and effective workplace communication.

Participants gained valuable insights into crafting well-structured messages, presenting themselves with confidence, and maintaining professionalism in various communication settings. The training also highlighted the importance of active listening, clarity, and consistency—key elements that enhance teamwork and overall workplace productivity.

The University acknowledges the valuable contributions of the speakers and participants throughout the session. The training serves as a significant initiative in advancing communication practices, promoting articulateness, proficiency, and effectiveness in everyday interactions.

📌 𝐇𝐑𝐌𝐃 𝐂𝐃𝐎 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐔𝐏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑-𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

On November 26-28, 2025, the USTP CDO Human Resource Management Division successfully carried out its Knowledge Refresher and 2025 Year-End Evaluation which aimed at enhancing HR competencies, refining processes, and best practices while recognizing the division’s 2025 milestones.

Major highlight of the program was the cascading of OPCR 2026 KPIs with its strategic plans and budget for its planned initiatives by HRMD CDO Director, Judy Ann E. Ugay, RPm.

The activity also showcased a series of insightful presentations of the following key resource speakers:
1. 2025 OPCR Accomplishment Report per section - Section Heads
2. Effective Approaches in Recruitment and Selection - by Administrative Officer II (HRMO I), Ella Francisca B. Hisanza, RPm
3. Efficient Management of Appointment and Records - by Administrative Officer IV (HRMO II), David Neil M. Baul, RPm
4. Managing and Processing Benefits Effectively - by Administrative Assistant II (HRM Assistant), Alma M. Alabat
5. Best Practices in COS Personnel Claims Processing - by Administrative Aide VI (Clerk III), Desiree R. Clavero

The activity reaffirmed the division’s ongoing pursuit of operational excellence and innovation, ensuring strengthened and streamlined processes, and cultivating a culture of healthy workplace.

Closing the FY 2025 on a strong note, HRMD is ready to advance its initiatives and efficient service delivery as it enters FY 2026!

🚨 𝐔𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘: 𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐏 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐔𝐏 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆-𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄 🚨

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

Last November 10, 2025, the University successfully conducted the training “Promoting a Drug-Free Workplace: Understanding RA 9165 and CSC MC No. 13, s. 2017”. The program aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge of drug prevention policies and to foster a workplace environment that is safe, productive, and compliant with all relevant regulations.

The session was delivered by distinguished resource speakers, Atty. Sarah Jane F. Behiga, JD, and Atty. Casan-Ali M. Limbona, Jr., JD, provided a comprehensive overview of the provisions of RA 9165 and CSC MC No. 13, s. 2017. Topics included the initial and subsequent drug testing of public officials and employees, interventions, administrative liability, responsibilities of agencies, the policy framework of RA 9165, roles of key implementing bodies, unlawful acts and penalties, and the fundamentals of drug testing, confidentiality, and due process.

This initiative reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering a drug-free culture and underscores the shared responsibility of all employees in promoting integrity, professionalism, safety, and the overall welfare of the workplace.

🚨 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘: 𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐏 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓 🚨

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

On November 7, 2025, USTP HRMD hosted the learning session "Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313): Promoting Safety, Equality, and Respect in the Workplace" facilitated by Atty. Nivra Lyn K. Empiales. The training highlighted our duty to foster workplaces where harassment is prevented, voices are respected, and all individuals feel supported and empowered.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to our resource speaker for generously sharing her expertise and guiding us through this important learning experience.

Together, we continue to uphold a culture where safety, inclusivity, and respect are not merely principles, but practices embedded in our daily work.

𝐂𝐅𝐎 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐏

An Orientation on Migration and Anti-Human Trafficking was successfully conducted in collaboration with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The activity aimed to enhance awareness on safe and responsible migration while promoting vigilance and collective action against human trafficking.

Distinguished speakers from the CFO shared valuable insights and practical knowledge to help participants recognize indicators of trafficking, protect vulnerable groups, and support ethical migration practices.

This initiative forms part of USTP’s continuing efforts to promote education, protection, and empowerment through relevant and meaningful learning programs for its personnel and stakeholders.

📚 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The HRMO successfully conducted a Training on the Data Privacy Act of 2012 last October 24, 2025, via Webex. The session aimed to strengthen awareness and compliance with data privacy policies among USTP personnel, ensuring that personal information is handled with the utmost integrity and care.

With Atty. Michelle C. Maravillosa-Bacarra as the esteemed Resource Speaker, the training provided valuable insights into the principles of data protection, lawful processing of personal data, and the responsibilities of data handlers within the University. Participants gained a deeper understanding of their vital role in upholding the rights to privacy and data security in all official transactions and operations.

The training was a timely and meaningful learning experience that reinforced the University’s commitment to promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and trust in line with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173).

🌟 Welcome to the Trailblazer Family! 🌟

The New Hire Orientation held on September 9, 2025, served as a meaningful avenue to officially welcome our newly appointed personnel. The session provided valuable insights into the University’s mission, vision, core values, and policies, equipping our new colleagues with the knowledge and guidance they need as they begin their journey with USTP.

We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to our new hires as they embark on this new chapter of service and excellence. 💛🖤