From Learning to Leading: Alumni Share How IRHR Helped Them Succeed
By: Arman Mangilinan, REPS, CIPC
Date: February 20, 2025
The 22nd Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IRHR) is set to begin on March 15 – June 7, 2025, with onsite Saturday classes at UP SOLAIR. This sought-after program has empowered HR professionals, leaders, and industry experts with the tools they need to excel in their careers.
But don’t just take our word for it—our alumni have spoken! With an impressive average rating of 4.75 over five, graduates consistently praise the program for its comprehensive content, quality of instruction, networking opportunities, flexibility, career advancement benefits, and practical applications.
What IRHR Graduates Are Saying?
Our alumni come from diverse industries and professional backgrounds, and their success stories highlight how IRHR has transformed their careers and personal growth.
Dothy Grace M. Bungay (Dothy)
HR OD and Employee Engagement Senior Manager at ARC Refreshments Corporation
IRHR Batch 18 (2023)
“IRHR further equipped me with foundational knowledge, best practices, and insights into emerging trends in human resource management. It strengthened my credibility in my HR practice and inspired me to pursue further study, despite my advanced age. The HR profession is dynamic, and to be effective, one must remain agile and continuously learn to stay relevant.”
💡 Impact: Applied key learnings in developing a recognized people strategy in her company and is now enrolled in Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR).
Francisco Luis A. del Rosario (Franco)
Content Creator and Former Talent Management and Employee Engagement Associate
IRHR Batch 19 (2023)
“The IR/HR program equipped me with the knowledge and tools to have a more holistic approach to HR. Topics like the Labor Code of the Philippines and the different aspects of Employee Engagement were tackled. If you are an HR professional or even just someone with a leadership role in an organization, you will definitely get something new from this course.”
💡 Impact: Gained critical HR knowledge and policies, leading him to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Relations at UP SOLAIR.
Lord Philamer I. Andres (Dre Andres)
Head of Human Resources at Cycle Financing Corporation
IRHR Batch 20 (2024)
“IRHR is the best certification course in the Human Resource and Labor Relations industry. It has been an adventure that strengthened what I already knew and contributed to the employee relations industry. Humanizing the workforce is always going to be the key in building a world where no one gets left behind.”
💡 Impact: The course gave him the confidence to handle HRM, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and HR Operations with a strategic mindset.
Marie Nowie P. Juanillo, CHRP (Nowie)
Human Resource and Administration Manager at Johnson Health Tech. Philippines, Inc.
IRHR Batch 20 (2024)
“Thank you, UP SOLAIR, for the opportunity. I will be forever grateful and do the best I can in keeping our advocacy—to help improve the lives of our dear labor force. In terms of personal growth, it helped me discover my aspirations, which led me to pursue a Diploma in Industrial Relations.”
💡 Impact: Applied her learnings immediately in her company, leading to career advancement inside and outside her organization.
Mark Lawrence R. Malabanan (Marky)
Capability Development Lead, Globe Telecom
IRHR Batch 21 (2024)
(Excerpt) “As an HR practitioner, I realized that a strong understanding of labor law and industrial relations was crucial for advancing my HR career. The IRHR program provided me with the opportunity to learn IR and HR theories and apply them to my current role. It also allowed me to expand my professional HR network and inspired me to pursue my dream of formal IRHR education. It is really worth the investment, something that you will not regret.”
💡 Impact: Transitioned from a communications graduate to an HR professional, gained essential HR theoretical knowledge, and is now enrolled in the Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR) at UP SOLAIR.
Cosca Camille M. Tuason (Cosca)
Sr. HR Manager, Empire East Land Holdings, Inc.
IRHR Batch 17
“The course has significantly contributed to my professional growth by providing a holistic understanding of human resources. As a homegrown talent in our company, I gained valuable insights beyond the basic functions of HR. Learning about various frameworks, labor laws, and policies has significantly improved my ability to address workplace challenges. One key aspect that had a deep impact on my professional development was understanding the full potential of human capital and how HR can help drive productivity and organizational success.”
💡 Impact: The course enhanced her HR decision-making skills, motivated her to pursue further education, and built her confidence and professional credibility as she continues her Master’s studies at UP SOLAIR.
Abiel T. Sumbillo (Abiel)
Labor and Employment Officer II, Program Management Division, DOLE – Bureau of Local Employment
IRHR Batch 19 (2023)
“The IRHR Course provides a great foundation for how HRM [Human Resource Management] may be administered, offering valuable insights beyond specialized roles. It challenges you to reflect on your purpose in the field and how you and your contributions can drive meaningful impact in the workplace, regardless of your stage in your career.”
💡 Impact: Gained a deeper understanding of industrial relations, reinforced his purpose in the workplace, and expanded his perspective on how HRM contributes to meaningful organizational change.
The IRHR program has significantly shaped the careers of its alumni. Many graduates have advanced in their HR roles, transitioned into leadership positions, pursued further studies, and expanded their professional networks. Their shared experiences highlight how theoretical knowledge, real-world application, and a strong HR community can transform careers and empower HR professionals to drive meaningful workplace change.
Why IRHR? Key Takeaways from Alumni
✅ Comprehensive Course Content – Covers HR fundamentals, the Labor Code of the Philippines, Employee Engagement, and emerging trends.
✅ High-Quality Instruction – Learn from UP SOLAIR’s esteemed faculty and industry experts.
✅ Career Advancement Opportunities – Many alumni earned promotions, pursued further studies, or strengthened their HR credibility after the course.
✅ Networking & Industry Connections – Engage with fellow HR professionals and industry leaders.
✅ Flexibility & Practical Application – Weekend onsite classes, designed for working professionals.
Be Part of IRHR Batch 22!
📅 Schedule: March 15 – June 7, 2025 (Saturdays)
📍 Location: UP SOLAIR, University of the Philippines Diliman
🎓 Who Should Join? HR professionals, managers, business leaders, and individuals seeking a strong foundation in HR and Industrial Relations.
🔗 Pre-register now: https://tinyurl.com/22IRHR
📖 Read more about the upcoming IRHR Batch 22: https://solair.upd.edu.ph/transform/
🎉 See the success of our onsite IRHR Batch 20: https://solair.upd.edu.ph/up-solair-hosts-successful-culminating-activities-for-the-20th-certificate-course-in-industrial-relations-and-human-resource-management/
📩 For inquiries, contact: cipc.upd@up.edu.ph
Note: All alumni testimonials were provided voluntarily through a post-course survey and were authorized for promotional use by UP SOLAIR. These testimonials reflect the personal experiences of the alumni who participated in the IRHR program.