Fostering strong collaboration and meaningful institutional management ties, the University of Baguio’s Human Resource Management Center (HRMC), led by Director Ms. Mary Joy Limpin, recently participated in the 26th Association of Asian School HRMD Practitioners, Inc. (AASPHI) National Convention. This collaborative event brought together over 100 HR practitioners and heads of offices from 30 leading universities across the Philippines. The convention served as an invaluable opportunity for participants to benchmark each other’s best practices and share innovative approaches to human resource management, reinforcing UB’s commitment to leadership in the HR field.
Since becoming an active partner of AASPHI in 2017, UB has consistently participated in its annual conventions, which serve as platforms for HR professionals in academic institutions to collaborate, exchange ideas, and elevate human resource practices in education. This year’s convention was no different, with key discussions centered around the future of HR in education and sustainable, people-centered practices.
Key Highlights of the Convention
Several impactful sessions emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking practices in HR:
- Strategic HR in Education: Crafting an Agile and Future-Ready Blueprint for Success: Presented by Mr. Michael “Mike” Godinez, SVP and Chief People & Culture Officer of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, this session focused on creating agile, people-centered HR practices designed to attract top talent and foster faculty excellence, which are key components of UB’s strategic vision for HR development.
- Green & Sustainable HR Practices: Delivered by Atty. Joan S. Largo, Vice President of the University of San Carlos, this presentation discussed eco-conscious HR strategies that support SDGs 12, 13, and 15, and how UB can integrate green initiatives into its HR operations to contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Data Privacy & Compliance: Presented by Jazmaine Z. Fortuna, CPA and Data Protection Officer at the University of the Visayas, this session emphasized the importance of ethical data management, responsible AI use, and compliance with data privacy laws, aligning with UB’s commitment to leadership in managing sensitive information responsibly (SDGs 9 and 16).
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Shared by Ms. Maria Montserrat “Monette” Iturralde-Hamlin, Founder and Chairperson of TeamAsia, this session focused on fostering inclusive hiring practices, promoting equitable growth, and cultivating a culture of belonging—key aspects of UB’s strategy for advancing diversity and inclusion (SDGs 5, 8, and 10).
Alt Text: Photos from the conducted benchmarking and collaboration activity during the 26th AASPHI Convention
These sessions showcased how collaboration among institutions can drive significant change, with participants sharing measurable outcomes like energy savings, compliance rates, and increased diversity in hiring. These real-world results underscored the impact of collaborative HR initiatives and strengthened the bonds between universities dedicated to advancing leadership in HR practices.
Benchmarking Visit to the University of San Carlos (USC)
The final day of the event included a benchmarking visit to the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, where HR Director Ms. Brenette L. Abrenica delivered a short talk on the university’s HR successes. Established in 1595 as Colegio de San Ildefonso, USC is the oldest Catholic university in Cebu and one of the oldest in the Philippines. USC’s longstanding history of quality education, research output, and leadership in higher education made it an exemplary model for HR and institutional best practices.
The visit allowed UB to gain valuable insights into USC’s HR strategies and further reinforced the importance of collaboration and shared learning in the pursuit of continuous improvement.
Alt Text: Photos from the conducted benchmarking and collaboration activity during the 26th AASPHI Convention
UB’s Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in HR
Ms. Limpin emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that benchmarking with other universities allows UB HRMC to refine its strategies, adopt best practices, and ensure the university’s workforce remains agile, inclusive, and future-ready. All while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, 16, and 17 that cater to development of institutions that reach high levels of academic advancements, while establishing strong inter-management ties and meaningful partnerships. This focus on continuous improvement and collaboration supports UB’s mission to be a leader in higher education, not only in academics but also in its HR practices.
UB’s Ongoing Commitment to Leadership in HR Practices
Through partnerships and collaborative learning opportunities such as the AASPHI National Convention, the University of Baguio continues to advance progressive, socially responsible, and evidence-based human resource management practices. UB remains steadfast in its mission to lead in higher education, not only by offering quality academic programs but also by fostering leadership and innovation within its HR practices. As UB moves forward, it is well-positioned to shape the future of HR in academia, demonstrating that collaboration and leadership are key to success in today’s dynamic educational environment.
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Written by: Mary Joy B. Limpin, CGSO, MAHE
HRMC
