The IR 225 Design and Administration of Training Programs class, led by Dr. Virgel C. Binghay from the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP-SOLAIR), advocates for sustainable business practices within Human Resources in alignment with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On May 17, 2024, they concluded the training “LIKAS AT LAKAS: Sustainability, HR & You,” emphasizing the significance of the SDGs and their relevance to HR practices. The training addressed current environmental, social, and societal challenges, and the consequences of neglecting sustainable goals. Participants were presented with solutions to promote workplace sustainability, serving as a springboard for initiating sustainable projects within their organizations.
The session began with Ms. Mel Mercado introducing the UN SDGs and the history and principles behind their formation. Ms. Imee De Guzman discussed SDGs 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), highlighting the natural phenomena resulting from climate change. Ms. Grace De Guzman explored Life Cycle Analysis and specific strategies for HR professionals to incorporate environmental sustainability into their tasks and roles. Ms. Sophie Chua showcased companies that had integrated sustainability practices into their operations and suggested actions that individuals could enact in their daily lives to achieve sustainability.
The social aspect of sustainability was jointly covered by Mr. Franco del Rosario and Mr. Jomar Tejones, who both elaborated on SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), focusing on specific targets and relevant Philippine statistics. They provided recommendations for HR groups, supported by examples from local and international projects. Mr. Abiel Sumbillo discussed the Philippine government’s efforts to review and monitor these SDGs through the lens of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Ms. Kat Fernandez illustrated the role of NGOs in partnering with private and public organizations to promote sustainable development. Dr. Virgel Binghay concluded by emphasizing the role of Human Resources in not only looking after employees and leaders within an organization but also looking after the planet and the welfare of society. He announced that the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness of UP SOLAIR would continue offering free seminars, asserting that quality education should be accessible to all.
The event evaluation, overseen by Ms. Val Baricua, indicated success, with participants significantly gaining knowledge on the UN SDGs, sustainability methods, and the Philippine context. Through individual and group activities, participants formulated projects that may be implemented in their own workplaces (which entailed identifying problem areas and designing timelines and metrics) based on their learnings from this seminar. A total of 50 participants – primarily HR practitioners from various sectors such as services, government, and manufacturing – attended the training.
