By: IR 222 class, and Arman Mangilinan of CIPC
Date: December 17, 2025
Quezon City, Philippines — December 9, 2025 — The University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) successfully hosted a seminar titled “Strategic HR for Impact: Strengthening People and Purpose in Cooperatives and Social Enterprises” on December 9, 2025, at the 5th Floor Mini-Hall of UP SOLAIR in UP Diliman.
Organized by the graduate students of the IR 222 (HR at the Firm Level) class, in collaboration of the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC), the seminar brought together 82 participants, composed primarily of human resources professionals and administrative staff from social enterprises and cooperatives across the Philippines. The activity aimed to strengthen HR competencies in sectors that play a vital role in inclusive growth and community development but often have limited access to tailored capacity-building opportunities.
The seminar formally opened with remarks from Dr. Virgel C. Binghay, Director of CIPC and Professor of UP SOLAIR. The expert-professor highlighted that people-centered HR systems are critical enablers of sustainability and competitiveness, noting that organizations pursuing social impact must be equally intentional in developing their human capital. He highlighted the importance of aligning HR strategies with organizational values, community-oriented missions, and long-term development goals. He also commended the IR 222 graduate students for initiating a learning platform that directly responds to the practical needs of practitioners in the social economy, reflecting UP SOLAIR’s mandate of socially responsive and industry-relevant education.
Featuring three thematic discussions, the seminar aligned with the realities and needs of social enterprises and cooperatives. Jaymar Jarina opened the program with a talk on Upskilling and Capacity Building in Social Enterprises, emphasizing the importance of developing core capabilities within organizations amid evolving economic and social challenges. He shared insights on current workforce trends and highlighted critical skills that organizations can nurture internally or source externally to remain sustainable and impactful.
The second session, led by Arbarayne “Rayne” Pajarillo, focused on People-Centered HR for Social Impact. The discussion underscored how HR systems anchored on purpose, inclusivity, and employee well-being can enhance both organizational performance and social outcomes. Key areas discussed included inclusive talent acquisition, values-driven training and development, holistic well-being, fair work practices, and purpose-based performance management.
The final session was delivered by Atty. Michael “Mike” Daguinod, who discussed Conflict Resolution and Team Harmony in Cooperative Workplaces. He highlighted the role of cooperatives and social enterprises in nation-building and provided a legal perspective on employee relations, noting the absence of a specific law governing social enterprises in the Philippines. Atty. Daguinod explained how existing frameworks such as the MSME Law and regulations from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) apply to these organizations, alongside discussions on incentives, benefits, and labor standards.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Binghay, with responses provided by the IR 222 graduate students. Participants raised practical and context-specific concerns, reflecting the operational realities of cooperatives and social enterprises.
Questions focused on succession planning in mission-driven organizations, managing a multigenerational workforce, and sustaining employee engagement and productivity despite limited resources. The IR 222 students shared evidence-based and practice-oriented responses, emphasizing pragmatic HR solutions such as internal leadership development pipelines, flexible work arrangements, values-based communication strategies, and participatory performance management systems.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of balancing compliance with adaptability, particularly for small and social enterprises operating under resource constraints. Dr. Binghay synthesized the discussion by reinforcing the need for HR policies that are both legally sound and aligned with organizational purpose, encouraging participants to view HR not merely as an administrative function but as a strategic partner in achieving social impact.
In addition to the seminar discussions, the IR 222 class mounted a mini-exhibit featuring posters synthesizing each integral topic covered in their HRD at the Firm Level course. These posters translated key human resource concepts into concise, practice-oriented visuals, serving as knowledge aids and conversation starters for participants. The exhibit was well-received and actively engaged with by participants, who welcomed the opportunity to further reflect on the topics and relate them to their respective organizational contexts.
Despite challenges such as intermittent rains and a nationwide jeepney strike on the day of the event, the seminar achieved nearly 70% attendance from registered participants. Organizers noted that many attendees expressed appreciation for a seminar specifically designed for social enterprises and cooperatives, a sector often grouped into broader, less targeted industry discussions.
The success of the event highlights the importance of continued engagement and knowledge-sharing initiatives for micro, small, and social enterprises, which comprise a significant portion of the Philippine economy. The organizers recommend holding similar sessions in the future and exploring alternative platforms such as online or recorded seminars to reach a wider audience.
Through initiatives like this, UP SOLAIR through CIPC and its students reaffirm their commitment to socially responsive education and meaningful community engagement, contributing to the strengthening of organizations that serve some of the country’s most underserved sectors.