Archives for July 2024

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) launched its “Native Tree Growing and Propagation Program” today at the TLE Center. The initiative aims to support climate change mitigation and promote local biodiversity.

Cherry Pink Barredo, a faculty member of the Community Development Program, served as the main resource person. Barredo discussed the benefits of using native trees in reforestation efforts, highlighting their adaptability to local conditions and positive impact on ecosystem restoration.

The event began with welcome remarks from Rosanna Dureza, ISAT U’s Climate Change Coordinator. Dureza provided a brief lecture on climate change, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered a compelling message during the program. He stressed the importance of taking concrete action, such as planting native trees, rather than merely discussing environmental issues. “It’s time we move beyond lectures and start making tangible contributions to our environment,” Dr. Ambut stated.

The program, organized by the SSEDMMO-Environment and Climate Change Core Group and Community Development Program, marks a significant step in ISAT U’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

The university plans to implement the native tree growing initiative across its campus and in partnership with local communities, aiming to create a lasting positive impact on the region’s biodiversity and climate resilience.

The university Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) through its representatives attended the annual FOI Receiving Officers’ Hangouts of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through its Freedom of Information-Program Management Office (FOI-PMO). This national event was held at the Coral Ballroom of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on July 18, 2024 and was attended by PICO’s Information Officer 3, Lucille P. Jaspe and Jephthah C. Sustituido, Information Officer I.

Central to the goal of championing the right to access government information are the FOI Officers, who play a vital role in advocating for and ensuring the effective implementation of the program within their respective agencies. As frontliners it is crucial to capacitate the FOI Officers to implement the FOI Program efficiently. Thus, this event was conducted to expand their networks and advance their abilities and knowledge in bridging government information to the public.

The activities during the FOI-RO Hangouts included the discussions on the major accomplishments, challenges, and innovative solutions to further the improvement of the implementation of the FOI Program. Handling FOI Requests, Data Privacy Issues, List of FOI exceptions, program monitoring and evaluation and    eFOI portal were also discussed.

As Ms. Dianne M. Gammad, Senior Compliance Monitoring Officer discussed, ”it is important to monitor the FOI requests, update the status to the requestor and make sure that the releasing of the documents conforms the standard period which is 7-15-20 or the maximum of 35 working days.”  She added that In case of delays, the last person who holds the document is the person accountable for the action and shall face the consequences under the FOI Policy.

The FOI Receiving Officers Hangouts also serves as an avenue for sharing best practices in accessing information, collaborating with other agencies and identifying documents for public consumption and are frequently requested. It was also advised by Ms. Marinella R. Ricafrance, Engagement Officer of the Presidential Communication Office that eFOI is currently under maintenance as they improve the portal for a more efficient and effective service.

To improve productivity in the office especially public service, the Iloilo Science and Technology University Human Resource Management Office gathered its newly hired and promoted employees to a two-day Seminar Workshop and Lecture Forum at the Students Services Building of the university on July 11 – 12, 2024. Human Resource Management Officer III, Mr. Bonnie S. Arenal designed SHARP or the Seminar Workshop on Harnessing Agility and Responsiveness in Public Service which included Seminar-workshop on Soft Skills Needed for Workplace Agility and Lecture –Forum on Disciplinary and Non- Disciplinary Cases under the Revised  Rules on Administrative Cases in Civil Service.

On the first day of this activity, it was emphasized by Ms. Rowena Y. Diaz, resource person on Building Soft Skills Needed for Workplace Agility, that “to be able to achieve the goals of the institution, the Human Resource Office must be able to hire the right person for every position that it creates. “A mismatched,” according to her, “would create problems thus resulting to non-achievable goals. Aside from the hard skills or technical knowledge that is required, an employee must also possess soft skills or personality traits such as leadership, communication skills and time management.

Ms. Diaz who is also a soft skill training consultant, discussed agility in the workplace, managing difficult people, how to become an active listener, stress management and workplace ethics. The participants had a great time doing the crossword puzzle and the spaghetti-marshmallows tower which tested their team work and stress management.

The second day of the seminar became intensed as Atty. Erna T. Elizan, Assistant Regional Director of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office 6, discussed the disciplinary cases and classification of offenses in the workplace. She emphasized that government employees are like celebrities who are accountable of their actions at all times even after the employee’s work schedule is done. However, she clarified that, “The CSC Rules, as well as the rules of the university, are not made to punish but to correct employees.” Also part of the discussion was the Revised Rules on the Administrative offense on dishonesty, misconduct, tardiness, online sexual harassment, nepotism and many others. Sample cases were also presented for participants’ additional information. An open forum was conducted after the lecture to shed light to certain questions especially on falsification of documents, nepotism and absenteeism.

The two-day seminar workshop concluded with the participants being grateful for the opportunity of learning new ideas on building up confidence, improving their soft skills and gaining an understanding of the CSC Rules on Administrative Offenses.