The University of Baguio successfully hosted the 2026 1st Area-Wide Seminar, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Conciliation and Mediation Board (DOLE-NCMB), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), at the UB Cardinals Gymnasium. Further bringing awareness to various HR groups, management representatives, and union organizations across the region.
Alt Text: Highlights from the DOLE NCMB event hosted by UB HRMC at the University of Baguio Gymnasium
Carrying the theme “LMC Working Together for Inclusive Growth and Continuous Improvement”, the program opened with salutations and highlights that showcase Filipino and Cordilleran culture in the form of artistic expressions, brought by the University of Baguio’s UBBOK Cultural Dance Group.
A Seminar on Labor Relations and Better Workforce Ties
The morning session opened up with a Psychological First Aid Training, facilitated by esteemed speakers from the Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCSW) of Saint Louis University, Ms. Feebie Toriaga Sumauang, RPsy, RPm, and Ms. Nerisa Gonzalo, RCG. Providing the tenured attendees with valuable insights on how organizations and individuals can offer immediate emotional and psychological support during stressful or crisis situations brought by discussions or events happening within or outside of the workplace.
The afternoon session, led by Ms. Myrene Bosleng from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, Cordillera Administrative Region discussed the new wage order and distortion, further guiding the participants to navigate and be inclined with important updates regarding figures and workforce implications for employers and employees.
Alt Text: Esteemed Speakers and tenured labor professionals/representatives invited to the DOLE-NCMB area-wide seminar hosted by the University of Baguio HRMC
Closing the session with a discussion on lean management procedures and metrics was delivered by Ms. Grachy Canave, FPM, which emphasizes on efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement in organizational and managerial processes for heightened development among partnerships and networks. The final talk of the seminar was presented by Mr. Henry B. Manalo, LEO III, from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, discussing the roles processes, and impact of the LMC and GM work community.
Safety Training and Participation in Well-being Activities
The training seminar also noted the participation with the national-mediated earthquake drill, demonstrating the participant’s resiliency and commitment to safety and preparedness, the esteemed attendees obliged and haphazardly took part in the earthquake drill (further endorsed by the city government and local unit of Baguio City).
Through the partnership with the university (extending goals and initiatives that coincide with the Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17), the seminar was a viable ground to demonstrate a harmonious labor-management relation and professionalism inside and outside of the workplace.
The successful conduct of the seminar reaffirmed the University of Baguio’s commitment in supporting efforts that create a better understanding of labor relations education, professional development, and collaboration among industry partners, enhancing the cause to inclusive growth and continuous improvement for laborers within the region and nation.
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Written by: Mary Joy B. Limpin, CGSP, MAHE, HRMC
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
