June 8, 2024, Diliman, Quezon City – The University of the Philippines Diliman School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) through the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC) celebrated the culmination of its 20th Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IRHR) on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The event, which marked the first onsite certificate course post-pandemic, was held at the UP SOLAIR.
The IRHR certificate course, consisting of 20 sessions and a capstone development project, spanned 12 Saturdays, totaling 72 hours of intensive training. Tailored for professionals in the field, the course aimed to impart essential competencies in IR and HR, addressing emerging topics influenced by the fourth industrial revolution.
The day began with an orientation by Brian Anthony Gumiran of CIPC, outlining guidelines for the capstone presentations. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN, 58 participants, divided into 11 groups, presented their capstone projects. These presentations provided an opportunity to apply course concepts through organizational analysis and proposal of effective HR strategies. The presentations were held in the new and old classrooms of UP SOLAIR, with critiques provided by an esteemed panel of experts from the roasters of UP Professors, Senior Lecturers and speakers from the industries.
In the afternoon, they gathered at the Isabelo De Los Reyes Auditorium for the awarding of certificates. This ceremony is hosted by Arman Mangilinan of CIPC, commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and a speech from Dr. Melisa R. Serrano, Dean of UP SOLAIR. Dr. Serrano congratulated the graduates, welcomed them into the alumni network, and emphasized the core principle that labor is not a commodity but integral to human dignity and development. She invited participants to enroll in the Diploma in Industrial Relations program, available online starting AY 2024-2025, and encouraged them to advocate for decent work in their workplaces.
Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II delivered a video message, recognizing the diverse professionals for completing the program. He commended their dedication and resilience in balancing professional duties with intensive coursework. He praised the faculty, organizers, and supportive families, encouraged graduates to use their skills for positive organizational change, and like Dean Serrano, he invited them to pursue further academic endeavors at UP SOLAIR.
It also featured a special spoken-word poetry performance on women empowerment by participant Kriselle Cartalla before the awarding ceremony proper. The distribution of certificates was facilitated by Dr. Virgel Binghay, Dean Melisa Serrano, and Sr. Professorial Lecturers – Prof. Jorge Sibal and Prof. Rebecca Gaddi, assisted by Brian Gumiran.
After receiving their certification, Batch President Lord Philamer Andres delivered a message of gratitude to UP SOLAIR, the speakers, the organizers, and the staff. He encouraged his fellow participants to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective workplaces.
Remarks from Dr. Binghay, Program Director and the Director of CIPC, concluded the program, who expressed gratitude to all participants, faculty, and support staff. He emphasized the importance of fostering harmonious industrial relations through meaningful HR practices and encouraged graduates to create efficient, humane, and inclusive workplaces.
The day ended with an audio-visual presentation of batch pictures from day 1, and singing of the “UP Naming Mahal”, capturing the honor, camaraderie and achievements of the 20th batch.