IAS faculty and staff during photo op with guidance counselors from the OSA-UPLB (Photo courtesy of EB Carandang)

The Institute of Animal Science conducted a seminar series for faculty and staff at the Animal Science Lecture Hall 2 last October 29 in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) of UPLB. The first seminar was on Life Coaching and Personal Development which aims to empower the faculty and staff on dealing with students, while the other seminar is on Employee Benefits and Basic Responsibilities as Government Servants.

Director Rommel C. Sulabo, in his welcome remarks, said that the main objective of the seminar series is to improve the services of the institution especially in facilitating students’ needs, including personal concerns since the issue on mental health in the University is becoming alarming. It also aimed at teaching faculty and staff with the practice of identifying and supporting students at risk of mental health issues.

The seminar on Life Coaching and Personal Development was facilitated by the Office of the Student Affairs headed by Ms. Janett A. Dolor (Head of the Counseling and Testing Division) together with Ms. Jisselle C. Villamin (Guidance Services Specialist II) and Ms. Analyn V. Rapas (Guidance Services Specialist II). The seminar was successful in informing the faculty and staff of the appropriate ‘first aid treatment’ that must be given to students who might be suffering from mental illness. Proper facilitating skills and basic counseling techniques were also taught to the participants.

Director Rommel Sulabo (8th-R) and Deputy Director Christine Adiova (6th-R) with Mr. Ricardo Amiel Rebeche (7th-R) of HRDO during photo op with the participants (Photo courtesy of EB Carandang)

During the afternoon session, a lecture on employee benefits and basic responsibilities of government employees was conducted where Mr. Ricardo Amiel V. Rebeche, Administrative Officer V and Section Chief for Employee Benefit at HRDO, served as resource person.

He emphasized the importance of having integrity in our workplace which includes being punctual, being good steward of the government’s facilities and equipment, and being honest and excellent in performing duties and responsibilities. The lecture was followed by an open forum to discuss the participants’ questions and concerns.

Dr. Christine B. Adiova, Deputy Director, delivered the closing remark and promised to conduct more seminars that will better equip IAS staff in performing their specific tasks.