The University of Baguio participated in the 2025 2nd Semester Area-Wide Seminar, held on September 24, 2025, at the 456 Hotel Le Grande, Legarda Road, Baguio City. Themed “Innovating the Future: Reimagining Workspaces for Tomorrow,” the seminar focused on the transformative role of innovation in shaping modern workspaces. The event, organized by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board–Cordillera Administrative Region (NCMB-CAR), in partnership with the Cordillera Association of Labor-Management Cooperation and Advocates of Voluntary Arbitration (CALMACAVAR) and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), gathered industry professionals, academic institutions, and business leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from emerging technological advancements and workplace innovations.
The seminar aimed to discuss the digital shift in workplaces, emphasizing the importance of adopting new technologies while promoting employee well-being and fostering strong labour-management relations. The event also provided a platform for establishments to learn about the latest government programs from the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), further reinforcing the importance of workplace health and safety.
A Focus on Innovation and the Digital Transformation of Workspaces
The seminar’s discussions underscored the importance of embracing innovation to keep pace with the changing dynamics of the modern workforce. As technological tools continue to advance, organizations must adapt their workspaces and processes to remain competitive. One of the key sessions, led by Dr. Jocelyn L. Alimondo, Director of the Global Institute for Learning Development, focused on digital tools and the digital shift in the workplace. She encouraged participants to view artificial intelligence (AI) not as a threat but as an opportunity to improve productivity and enhance work processes. By embracing digital technologies, companies can streamline operations, enhance employee experiences, and better prepare their workforce for the future.
Promoting Innovation, Risk Assessment, and Labor-Management Cooperation
Another crucial session, led by Mr. Limuel M. Garcia, Labor Employment Officer III at NCMB-CAR, discussed the importance of innovation in fostering strong labor-management cooperation. According to Mr. Garcia, the ability of both management and employees to collaborate and innovate together is key to solving problems, improving productivity, and maintaining industrial peace. His session emphasized that the success of any organization hinges on its commitment to creating a cooperative environment where both parties are empowered to contribute to the company’s goals.
Building a Commitment to Employee Well-Being
The seminar also highlighted the connection between employee well-being and organizational success. Dr. Roldan C. Ta-a, Communication and Event Consultant, discussed the interconnectedness of mental health, financial literacy, and overall wellness in creating a healthy workplace. He pointed out that employees who are mentally and financially well are more productive, motivated, and loyal. His session, Mind, Money, and the Odds: Building Awareness for a Healthier Workplace, addressed how organizations can incorporate mental health programs, wellness initiatives, and financial literacy into their overall strategy.
Ms. Faith Marie M. Magsino, Director for Training and Development at LandCo Lifestyle Ventures, shared valuable strategies for transforming workplace conflict into opportunities for growth. In her session, From Tension to Teamwork, she explored how innovative approaches to conflict resolution can help improve communication, build stronger teams, and create a more collaborative work environment. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, companies can turn challenges into chances for innovation and collaboration.
Alt Text: UB HRMC Director, Ms. Mary Joy Bulatao-Limpin giving a talk during the 2025 2nd Semester Area-Wide Seminar
UB’s Commitment to Workforce Innovation
The university’s participation in the seminar, with six delegates from various departments, underscores the university’s commitment to fostering workplace innovation and employee well-being. Among the delegates, three UB officers are actively involved in CALMACAVAR, including Ms. Claris Palais (Treasurer), Ms. Miroma Villacrusis (Member of the Board of Directors), and Ms. Mary Joy Bulatao-Limpin (Vice President for Management). The presence at this seminar reflects its ongoing dedication to improving labour-management relations, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring the well-being of its employees and students. By actively participating in discussions on digital advancements and workplace strategies, thus help to lead the way in innovating workspaces in the Cordillera region.
Strengthening Partnerships for a Sustainable Workforce
The seminar also emphasized the importance of a healthier workforce while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting its employees in all aspects of their lives, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), reinforcing the idea that the future of work is deeply intertwined with technological innovation, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), aiming to create strong partnerships in creating sustainable and harmonious labour-management relations.
The collaboration of NCMB-CAR, CALMACAVAR, and ECC demonstrates that effective partnerships between government, business, and academic institutions are essential to achieving a future-ready workforce. Through such collaborations, organizations can drive forward innovation, improve working conditions, and ensure sustainable development in the workplace.
UB’s participation in the seminar reaffirms its commitment to workplace innovation and its role in promoting a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking workforce. By embracing digital technologies and fostering collaboration, the institution prepares its community for the future of work while contributing to the broader goals of social sustainability and economic growth in the region.
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Written by: Claris Palais
Photographed by: RCMB-CAR
