By: Arman Mangilinan
REPS, CIPC – UP SOLAIR
Quezon City, June 7, 2025 — The University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) proudly concluded the 22nd Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IRHR) on June 7, 2025, honoring 29 successful graduates who have completed 20 intensive Saturday sessions and a final capstone project under the transformative theme, “Transform.”
Spanning from March 15 to June 7, 2025, this in-person course drew participants from diverse industries and professional backgrounds. They came with the shared goal of enhancing their understanding and practice of industrial relations and human resource management, in a course known for blending theory with real-world application.
Capstone Day: A Celebration of Learning and Transformation
The culminating activity, held onsite at UP SOLAIR, began with an early assembly and registration at 7:45 AM, followed by a capstone orientation led by Mr. Arman Mangilinan, coordinator for IRHR Batch 22.
Participants presented their capstone projects in five concurrent breakout sessions, each facilitated by distinguished faculty, researchers, and experts. These projects showcased how participants synthesized their learnings into actionable workplace and industry insights, true testaments to the program’s transformative impact.
Afternoon Ceremonies: Awards, Reflections, and Recognition
The Awarding of Certificates Program commenced in the afternoon, opened with a prayer by participant Antonia De Jesus and the Philippine National Anthem. The program was hosted by Arman Mangilinan, with Dr. Virgel Binghay, Course Director and Head of the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC), delivering opening remarks that highlighted the commitment and resilience of participants who spent their Saturdays learning with UP SOLAIR.
A congratulatory video message from UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II echoed the batch theme, noting that:
“Transformation is never easy. It demands openness, resilience, and vision. But it is also what leadership and nation-building requires. As you complete this program, I trust you will carry forward to champion fair, inclusive, people-centered, and future-ready approaches that uplift not only workplaces but also the lives of workers and their communities.”
The guest speaker, Ms. Dothy Grace Bungay (ARC Refreshments Corporation, makers of RC Cola), a proud alumna of IRHR Batch 18 and current DipIR student at UP SOLAIR, shared her journey of transformation and growth. She encouraged the graduates to pursue further learning and embrace the lifelong benefits of continued study in industrial relations and HR at UP SOLAIR.
Rosario Rochiell Cosio, President of IRHR Batch 22, took attendees through their shared journey from Day 1 to their capstone milestone, highlighting the bonds formed, insights gained, and the transformation they acquired.
The event also honored Batch Officers Ms. Cosio, Mr. Lemuel Resurreccion, and Ms. Jane Penson with Leadership Awards, recognizing their outstanding service to the class. A heartwarming photo slideshow titled “IRHR Batch 22 Memories” captured unforgettable moments throughout the course.
Dr. Binghay closed the program with words of encouragement to carry the lessons they’ve learned into their organizations. Apply them meaningfully to create better workplaces and empower their people.
Exceptional Feedback and Gratitude
Based on the post-program evaluation, participants gave an overall satisfaction rating of 4.81 out of 5, and a recommendation score of 4.78 out of 5, with strong endorsements of the course’s relevance, quality, and delivery.
Special thanks were extended to: Dr. Melisa Serrano, Dean of UP SOLAIR; the CIPC team, headed by Dr. Binghay; the faculty and guest resource speakers who enriched each session; and the REPS, administrative staff, guards, and utility personnel who provided unwavering support throughout the program.
As IRHR Batch 22 graduates return to their workplaces, they bring with them not only new knowledge and skills but also a shared vision of transformation, one rooted in UP SOLAIR’s values of fairness, inclusion, and excellence.
Congratulations, IRHR Batch 22. You have truly transformed, and now, you are ready to lead.