PERSONNEL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
OF THE PHILIPPINES (POAP)

NEWS 2025

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Speak with a Purpose, Write with Power: Effective Oral and Written Communication for Public Servants

August 9, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the seminar “Speak with a Purpose, Write with Power: Effective Oral and Written Communication for Public Servants” on August 5–8, 2025, at Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City. Serving as the resource speaker was Dr. Marjorie S. Gutierrez-Tangog, Executive Vice President of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Designed as a capacity-building program, the four-day seminar recognized communication as the lifeblood of public service. Participants were immersed in activities that blended theory with practice: roleplays on professional oral communication, workshops on diplomatic writing, and group critiques of presentation.

The sessions underscored that effective communication goes beyond technical skill. It is about projecting professionalism, exercising cultural sensitivity, and upholding ethical responsibility in every interaction. From mastering tone and structure to navigating sensitive issues with diplomacy, the training equipped participants with tools to communicate with both competence and compassion.

What made the seminar especially engaging was its emphasis on real-world application. Exercises in rewriting blunt messages into respectful phrasing, responding to challenging social media scenarios, and simulating conflict-resolution exchanges gave attendees practical experience they can carry into their offices.

As the program closed, participants reflected on their strengthened awareness of communication’s role in building trust between government and citizens. They left not only with sharpened oral and written skills, but also with a deeper sense of responsibility: to speak with purpose, to write with power, and to ensure that every word contributes to a more transparent and service-driven public sector.

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Managing Public Records

August 9, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the seminar “Managing Public Records” on August 5–8, 2025, at Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City. The program featured Ms. Grace Alejado, Head of Planning, Development, and Quality Assurance, and Program Chair of BS Information Technology at St. Paul University – Dumaguete, as the resource speaker.

The sessions emphasized the importance of managing records in government. Public records are vital for the administration and operation of offices, enabling decision-making, continuity of operations, and legal compliance. Records management ensures transparency, accountability, operational efficiency, risk reduction, and the preservation of institutional memory and historical significance.

At the core of the discussions was the recognition that records—whether official, vital, active, inactive, or archival—are critical to organizational operations. Records encompass information in various forms, including documents, signatures, texts, images, sounds, or data, created, received, or maintained as evidence or assets by individuals or organizations. For information to qualify as a record, it must have content, context, and structure. While not all documents qualify as records, all records are documents with evidential or operational value.

Participants also examined the different types of records managed by institutions—administrative, financial, legal, personnel, technical, and historical—as well as the characteristics that define a record: authenticity, reliability, completeness, usability, and uniqueness. The training further explored the concept of records management as the systematic control of records throughout their lifecycle, encompassing planning, organizing, and training. Core elements of a sound records management system include policy frameworks grounded in law, designated people such as records officers, established processes, and tools or technology such as document and electronic records management systems.

Finally, the seminar reinforced that all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, and state entities are required to maintain records management systems. This framework provides the foundation for accountability, compliance, and institutional integrity in public service.

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Strategizing for the New Frontier

July 19, 2025

On July 15–18, 2025, the Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the seminar “Strategizing for the New Frontier” at the Citadines Amigo Hotel, Iloilo City. Leading the discussions was Dr. Raymundo Arcega, University President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, Chairman and Chancellor of Diliman College, and Chairman of NNQAA Inc.

The four-day program gathered 27 participants from various agencies nationwide, with the aim of equipping leaders and managers with innovative strategies to navigate the evolving challenges of governance and public service. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and collaborative workshops, participants explored adaptive leadership approaches, strategic foresight, and organizational agility in preparation for future demands.

Key sessions highlighted forward-thinking methods to enhance service delivery, improve decision-making, and strengthen institutional resilience. The program also encouraged cross-agency collaboration, allowing participants to exchange best practices and build professional networks.

The training concluded with a city tour, giving participants the opportunity to appreciate Iloilo’s cultural heritage while fostering camaraderie. More than acquiring tools, attendees carried home the confidence to innovate, the courage to adapt, and the commitment to lead with foresight. The seminar ended as the starting point of a collective journey toward a future-ready public service.

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Ethics and Accountabilities for Public Servants

July 19, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the 2025 POAP Capability Training on July 15-18, 2025, at Citadines Amigo Hotel, Iloilo City, featuring Dr. Ester B. Ogena, President, Philippine Normal University, Professor, Asian Institute of Management, Former Executive Director, DOST, as the resource speaker of “Ethics and Accountabilities for Public Servants”,

A 4-day seminar titled “Ethics and Accountabilities for Public Servants” was successfully conducted in Iloilo City, bringing together government employees from various agencies—local and national—to strengthen their commitment to ethical governance and public accountabilities.77

Held over four productive days, the seminar covered a range of critical topics aimed at reinforcing the core values of public service. Key discussions included an Introduction to Ethics and Accountabilities for Public Servants, Legal and Institutional Frameworks, and Ethical Challenges in Public Service. Attendees also engaged in sessions on Accountability Mechanisms, the Role of Leadership in Upholding Ethics, and Building a Personal Ethical Framework and Commitment to Ethical Excellence. Group discussions during the seminar were thought-provoking, encouraging participants to reflect on their roles in delivering honest, transparent, and people-centered service.

The training provided a valuable platform for civil servants to reflect on their responsibilities and to better understand how ethical standards guide decision-making and actions within the public sector. The interactive sessions, role-playing, and open discussions fostered a renewed sense of purpose and integrity among the participants.

To cap off the learning experience, the final half-day of the seminar included a city tour around Iloilo, which was both educational and enjoyable. Participants appreciated the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and landmarks—further strengthening camaraderie and collaboration among the attendees.

Overall, the seminar served as a timely reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in public service and the continuous journey toward good governance and public trust.

OPENING DAY!
Participants gather for Day 1 of the 4-day seminar on Ethics and Accountabilities for Public Servants in Iloilo City.

ENGAGED AND EMPOWERED.
Government employees from various agencies actively participating in discussions on ethics and accountability.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE.
Dr. Ester B. Ogena, Resource Person, shares valuable insights on ethical leadership and good governance.

GROUP PHOTO.
A group photo with all attendees – a proud moment of unity in service and purpose!

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Quality Management in the Workplace Environment

June 28, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the 2025 POAP Capability Training entitled “Quality management in the Work Place Environment” featuring two outstanding speakers: Dr. Raymundo Arcega, President, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and currently Vice President and Executive Director of POAP, together with Dr. Sheila Villanueva, Head Secretariat, Alcu Philippines, Vice President, City of Malabon University, on June 24-27, 2025 at The Lake Hotel, Tagaytay City.

The training seminar gathered 97 participants representing 19 agencies across the country. It aimed to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence through quality management within the workplace environment. Over the four-day seminar, participants actively engaged in collaborative training workshops, scenario-based planning, and practical applications of quality tools. What made the training especially noteworthy was the level of energy and participation of the participants, a clear indication of the participants’ commitment to learning and improving their respective organizations and agencies. Key sessions highlighted how public agencies can enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and foster a more citizen-centered approach to governance.

On the last day of training, participants enjoyed an afternoon city tour, allowing time to engage with different agencies and appreciate the setting. The seminar overall reinforced the importance of quality and efficient management in the workplace, leaving participants an inspiration to bring positive change to their respective organization.

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Attaining Work-Life Balance and Productivity

June 28, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP) conducted the 2025 POAP Capability Training entitled “Attaining Work-Life Balance and Productivity” on June 24–27, 2025, at The Lake Hotel, Tagaytay City. The event featured Ms. Analiza Arcega, Vice President for Academic Research at Pateros Technological University and Psychology Department Head at the University of Makati, as the resource speaker.

The four-day program gathered 38 participants from various agencies nationwide. It aimed to equip attendees with practical tools and insights to balance professional productivity with personal well-being. Through a comprehensive series of sessions, participants explored the foundations of work-life balance, identified signs of imbalance, engaged in meditation and fitness activities, underwent personality and MBTI testing, and learned effective time management techniques. Topics also included creating a supportive workplace culture, applying the Four Burner Theory, and prioritizing mental health alongside productivity.

Interactive workshops, energizers, and scenario-based activities encouraged active participation, allowing attendees to reflect on their personal and professional priorities. The final day concluded with a city tour, fostering camaraderie and networking among participants.

Overall, the seminar underscored the importance of aligning productivity with overall wellness, inspiring participants to integrate these practices into their workplaces and daily lives.

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Gearing Teams Towards Organizational Excellence and Productivity

May 14, 2025

The "Gearing Teams Towards Organizational Excellence and Productivity" event, which took place at Belmont Hotel in Boracay, Aklan from April 22 to 24, 2025, gathered participants from 20 agencies to examine how effective teamwork can lead to enduring success in organizations. Set against the peaceful and inspiring scenery of Boracay, the event provided an ideal setting for reflection, learning, and collaboration. For the opening and 2nd day of the seminar, Ms. Monette I. Hamlin, Founder and Chairperson of Team Asia. Started to discuss through engaging sessions and significant discussions with the attendees. They acquired valuable insights into the critical components of high-performing teams. A primary emphasis was placed on the necessity of having a clear purpose—when each team member comprehends the shared goal and their role, productivity tends to follow naturally. Trust and respect were highlighted as essential pillars of teamwork; when individuals feel valued and supported, they communicate more freely and contribute more effectively. Effective communication practices were promoted, as misunderstandings are frequently the cause of subpar performance.

For the 3rd & 4th day of the seminar, Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, President, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and currently Vice President and Executive Director of POAP. He discussed his topics in a fun and informative way to make the participants relate to his example. Participants were reminded that recognizing small and large achievements keeps teams motivated and cohesive while learning from difficulties and adapting to changes is vital for ongoing growth. The event inspired everyone to not only focus on results but also to cultivate a culture that promotes excellence, innovation, and resilience.

learning opportunity, the event was a significant reminder that with the right attitude, strong values, and a collaborative spirit, teams can achieve outstanding results and propel organizational success.

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Strategic Human Resource Management

May 9, 2025

Human resource is the most valued assets of an organization, thus it is important to strategically manage it and ensure that every HR activity is aligned with and contributes to the achievement of the agency's strategic goals and objectives.

The four-day seminar was focused on people management and how to develop and implement strategies that will impact the organization. There were discussions on Making Work Values Work and the importance of Synergy Through Teamwork, and how to integrate it with current HR complements and further maximize their productivity.

Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, President, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and currently Vice President and Executive Director of POAP, ended his lecture with Leading Strategic Change, as he reminded, that this will lead to enhance efficiency and foster the culture of continuous improvement, to better serve the public.

The third and fourth day was handled by Ms. Monette Ituralde Hamlin, Founder and Chairperson of Team Asia. From a private perspective, she imparted about Strategic Workforce Planning, Strategic Learning and Development, Strategic Performance Management, Strategic Employee Relations, Engagement and Well-being, Importance of Positive Employee Relations and Building a Positive and Ethical Organizational Culture.

Being strategic, the participants themselves facilitated the Closing Program, and the atmosphere of positivity were felt as they parted ways.

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POAP Seminar on Enhancing Negotiation Skills in Baguio City

April 21, 2025

The Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines, Inc, (POAP) Seminar on Building and Enhancing Negotiation Skills from April 1-4, 2025 at the Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City was an inspiring success with participants showing incredible engagement and enthusiasm throughout. What stood out most was their active involvement. no one left the session early proving their dedication to mastering new skills

Participants actively engaged in the sessions with full attendance participants from various agencies such as the AFP, Philippine Navy, RTU, NTC, Philippine Marine Corps, CICC, LGU Baguio, LGU Tacurong, Department of Agriculture, PUP, Department of Migrant Workers, and PMA.

New attendees from Baguio shared their appreciation for POAPs unique and practical approach noting that this seminar was unlike any other they had experienced. Also expressed gratitude for hosting the seminar in their city they also extended their thanks to the resource’s speakers and facilitators for their valuable insights.

Looking ahead attendees inquired about future seminar expressing interest in venues and resource speakers.

The stemmed resources speaker, a true expert in the field captivated the audience with dynamic presentation, real life examples and personal anecdotes She even praised POAP participants as among best learners. She observed their quick comprehension and active involvement in discussion, underscoring the effectiveness of POAP training programs, her high level of preparation and interactive style made the learning experience unforgettable.

Accounting for Non-Accountants

April 21, 2025

Basic Accounting knowledge for everyone in the workplace regardless of their specific duties is undeniably important. The seminar’s goal in this instance is to equip non-accounting staff with essential financial understanding. In today’s business transactions, understanding basic accounting concepts is indeed crucial for everyone in the workplace. To this end, the Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines(POAP) recently held a highly successful seminar “Accounting for Non-Accountant” attended by 48 participants from various government agencies – national, local and government owned and controlled corporations.

These are the agencies who attended the seminar:

• Provincial Government of Batangas
• LGU- Iligan City (CAC)
• LGU-Isabela City- Basilan
• LGU- Tacurong City
• National Telecommunications Commission
• Department of Energy
• Bureau of Immigration
• Philippine Marine Corps
• LGU- Borongan City
• Batangas Medical Center
• Catanduanes State University
• Department of National Defense
• Provincial Governemnt of Palawan
• Department of Agriculture RF10
• Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

The key takeaways in this seminar provided, among others, basic understanding of key accounting concepts – Introduction to Financial Statements and its analysis; Financial Planning; Budgeting; Cost Management; and Overview of Internal Controls and Compliances. In addition, topics on government sources of revenues as well as fundamental principles of government accounting and its processes were tackled during the 4-day seminar.

The seminar featured interactive sessions,case studies and plenty of opportunities for questions posed by the participants. Sessions ended with fun games with rewards given by both generous Resource Persons.

Both Resource Persons, Prof. Earl Joseph Borgona and Prof. Melissa Untalan expertly translated the complex accounting principles into easily digestible concepts by delivering the lecture in layman’s term.

The seminar was really a resounding success, equipping the non-accounting participants with valuable knowledge on the basic concepts of accounting and government accounting in particular.

Participants in this seminar was warmly welcomed by POAP President Ronnie de Castro and the direction setting was undertaken by Dr. Raymund Arcega,Executive Director. The 4-day seminar was facilitated by Tr. Florante Alvero with the untiring assistance of Adm. Assistant Angie Mae Portrias and Christian John Andal, OJT from the University of Batangas

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2025 POAP Trainers' Training Summer Camp: A Key Event for Public Service Education and Development

March 16, 2025

The 2025 Trainers' Training Summer Camp, organized by the Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP), was a landmark event that took place on March 14-15, 2025, at the POAP Learning Center in Quezon City. This two-day event brought together a diverse group of seasoned professionals from the public service sector, academia, and various industries to deepen their expertise in creating impactful training programs for public sector employees. With Mr. Jesse Francis Rebustillo as the featured speaker and subject matter expert, the camp aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools to develop and deliver training modules on various relevant topics for government personnel.

The 2025 Trainers' Training Summer Camp was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among trainers who are integral to the development of public servants across the Philippines. The training covered a wide range of topics crucial for the modern challenges facing public service, including strategic learning, training needs analysis, futures thinking, corporate social responsibility, accounting for non-accountants, artificial intelligence, data privacy, and work-life balance.

A Wide-Ranging Curriculum Focused on Contemporary Needs

Mr. Jesse Francis Rebustillo, a leading expert in training and development, provided the attendees with expert insights on these topics. His approach to the camp was hands-on and designed to empower the participants to develop practical, actionable modules that could be used in the training of public servants across different government agencies. As the world continues to evolve, the topics discussed at the summer camp reflected the pressing concerns and innovations in the workplace.

One of the key topics discussed was strategic learning, which focuses on aligning training initiatives with organizational goals to ensure efficiency and productivity. Another critical topic was training needs analysis, which helps organizations assess skill gaps and prioritize training needs. Futures thinking, a forward-looking approach to planning and strategy, was also explored, encouraging participants to consider how emerging trends might shape the future of public service.

Collaboration Among Esteemed Public Service Leaders

The event attracted a distinguished roster of attendees, including prominent educators, government officials, and public service leaders. Some of the key participants included Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, President of the Government-Academe-Industry Network (GAIN) and Founding Chairman and Past President of Team Asia; Dr. Rene Colocar, President of Marikina Polytechnic College; Dr. Ester Ogena, Former President of Philippine Normal University; Dr. Sheila Villanueva, Former OIC of City of Malabon University; and Dr. Francis Ashipaoloye, Assistant Vice President of Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Also included in the training were Dr. Segundo Romero, Faculty Member at Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines; Dr. Rolando Lansigan, First Chief of the National Data Privacy Commission; Dr. Neil Balba, Data Privacy Officer at Lyceum of the Philippines University; Anita Cunanan, Chief at the Civil Service Commission; Dr. Elizabeth Montero, Former President of Urdaneta City University; Prof. Earl Borgona, Associate Dean at Far Eastern University-Makati; Dr. Analiza Arcega, President of Pateros Technological College; Dr. Evelyn Cruzada, Assistant Secretary at Office of the President and Former President of Leyte Normal University; Prof. Yolanda Catalina Bonaobra, Speech Power Specialist and College Secretary at PTC; Melissa Untalan, Vice President for Finance at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa; and Prof. John de Lima, Dean of PLMun Institute of Public Policy and Governance.

The presence of such distinguished professionals underscored the importance of the event, as it provided an opportunity for these experts to come together and collaborate on creating educational frameworks that are tailored to the evolving needs of public servants in the Philippines.

Opening and Closing Remarks

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Ronnie De Castro, the President of POAP and the City Personnel Officer of Lipa. Mr. De Castro highlighted the significance of continuous professional development for public service personnel and emphasized the need for training initiatives that would enable employees to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.

Dr. Raymundo Arcega, POAP Vice President and Executive Director, and President of PLMun, introduced the speakers, setting the tone for an enriching series of discussions. Dr. Arcega emphasized the role of education in the public sector, noting that well-trained employees contribute significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of government services.

As the event concluded, Ms. Nanette Cabrera, POAP Secretary, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all the participants for their active engagement and encouraging them to apply the lessons learned in their respective organizations. The event was also graced by other POAP Trustees, including Ms. Asliah Maniri of the Ministry of Basic, Technical, and Higher Education, and Ms. Nora Aldave, Former Vice Mayor of Masbate, whose support and presence added further prestige to the camp.

A Bright Future for Public Service Training

The 2025 Trainers' Training Summer Camp was an outstanding success in fostering collaboration, education, and the development of future-ready public servants. The training sessions provided valuable insights into critical areas of public service, equipping trainers with the tools to create effective training modules that will ultimately improve government operations. With the involvement of key figures from academia, government, and private sectors, the event exemplified how a multi-sectoral approach to training and development can result in meaningful and lasting impact. As public service continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be essential in shaping a workforce that is adaptable, forward-thinking, and equipped to face the challenges of the future.