Providing continuous career support to the members of the university’s workforce through opportunities for professional development.
Written by Bianca Celeste Baculi
Photographs courtesy of Bianca Baculi & May-ann Moyamoy
Strengthening the Backbone of University Offices
The University of Baguio continues to strengthen its commitment to a brand of excellence by empowering the backbone of its offices, particularly its secretaries and administrative personnel, through professional development initiatives. This commitment was demonstrated through the recently concluded training titled “Confident, Capable, Composed: A Training for University of Baguio Secretaries on Multitasking and Professional Development.” The program aimed to enhance multitasking strategies, professional conduct, and communication skills while fostering confidence and empowerment among participants in support of efficient office operations and quality service delivery.
Advancing Global Goals Through Workplace Learning
The training supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting professional growth and inclusive learning opportunities. It contributes toSustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by encouraging continuous learning and skills development among administrative professionals. The initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality by empowering individuals, many of whom are women in administrative roles, through professional development and confidence building.
Furthermore, the program aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening workplace competencies that contribute to productive and professional work environments. It also reflects Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing equal opportunities for administrative personnel to access training and development. The emphasis on composure, stress management, and personal well being supports Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, while the collaboration between the University and the invited resource speaker demonstrates the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals in strengthening institutional learning initiatives.
Building Confidence, Capability, and Composure
A total of 33 participants, composed of 20 secretaries and 13 office staff, actively participated in the seminar. The session was facilitated by guest speaker Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman, who shared practical insights on multitasking, professional communication, and maintaining composure in fast paced work environments. Through engaging discussions, participants gained valuable strategies to strengthen workplace efficiency and professionalism.
From Learning to Lasting Impact
The training generated positive outcomes, reflected in its excellent evaluation results and strong participant engagement. Participants highlighted the 3 C’s, Composed, Confident, and Capable, as key principles of effective office practice. Many shared that true confidence stems from competence and self respect, while professionalism is demonstrated through calmness, respectful communication, and graceful conduct.
Participants also expressed their commitment to applying these lessons in their daily responsibilities by improving multitasking efficiency, strengthening communication skills, managing workplace stress, and providing better service to clients and stakeholders. Through initiatives like this, the University of Baguio continues to develop empowered administrative professionals who contribute to organized systems, smooth operations, and a culture of excellence.
