Written by Lorienne Joy Mana-a (HRMC, HR Associate)
On August 5, 2025, the University of Baguio’s Human Resource Management Center (HRMC) held a comprehensive orientation program for employees hired and deployed from January to July 2025. The event took place at the university’s Centennial Library and served as an important institutional initiative to familiarize new members of the UB community with its history, mission, vision, core values, graduate attributes, and strategic goals. It also provided a clear overview of institutional policies, workplace culture, and the university’s commitment to equal opportunities and professional standards.
The orientation featured presentations from key leaders, including the Vice President for Administration (VPA), Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), selected office directors, and representatives from the HRMC. Their sessions offered valuable insights into UB’s organizational chart, operational systems, employee development programs, and contributions to the broader education sector.
Anchored on Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth),the program reflected UB’s dedication to fostering inclusive, productive, and sustainable employment. By ensuring that employees begin their tenure with essential institutional knowledge, the university strengthens its workforce’s ability to contribute meaningfully to academic and operational excellence. The discussions emphasized fair workplace practices, the protection of employee rights—including equitable compensation and benefits—along with corresponding responsibilities and opportunities for professional advancement, thereby supporting global targets for full and productive employment and decent work for all.
A total of 85 new employees participated in the orientation, composed of 43 males (50.59%) and 42 females (49.41%), representing diverse academic backgrounds and professional expertise. The strong participation rate among the university’s newly hired employees during this period reflects UB’s active commitment to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). It affirms the institution’s belief that every employee, regardless of background, is valued and welcomed into an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace.
Beyond SDG 8, the program also contributed to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by equipping faculty and staff to deliver high-quality academic and support services, and to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through sessions on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) guidelines, as well as workplace and employee wellness initiatives. The emphasis on institutional ethics, adherence to the Data Privacy Act, and the promotion of responsible governance further demonstrated the program’s alignment with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). In addition, the orientation advanced SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by introducing participants to UB’s modern facilities, digital platforms, and research initiatives, fostering an environment where innovation and effective infrastructure use are part of everyday operations.
The event concluded with the distribution of welcome kits containing official university merchandise, followed by the signing of employment contracts, which symbolized the formal integration of the new hires into the UB community. More than just an introductory activity, the orientation reaffirmed UB’s commitment to empowering its workforce, nurturing talent, and building a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits both the institution and the wider community.
