For the sixth and seventh installment in its lecture series, the UP System Supervisors Association (UPSSA) focused on competency-based human resource systems and the University’s efforts toward Level 3 accreditation in human resource management.
For the PAMAMAHALA Masterclass Series (Pamamahala), invited resource speakers UP Vice President for Administration Augustus C. Resurreccion to discuss The Future of HR in UP: Competency-Based Solutions for A Transformative University, and UP Diliman (UPD) Human Resource Development Office Director Arthur A. Gonzales III to present Gearing Up for PRIME-HRM: The Critical Role of UP Admin Staff and REPS Supervisors in HRM Accreditation. The two lectures were held simultaneously on July 18 at the UPD National Engineering Center Audiovisual Room.
In his message during the sixth and seventh Pamamahala, UPSSA President Rogelio T. Estrada Jr. emphasized that the topics were not only timely but essential, as UPSSA is committed to advancing the conversation on strategic human resource management.
“Implementing a competency-based human resource system ensures that our workforce is not only capable but also reliable and high performing [and] aligned with the demands of a dynamic academic environment,” Estrada said. “Meanwhile, the PRIME HRM initiative serves as a powerful tool to validate and enhance our human resource system and processes,” he added.
Estrada also reminded the participants of their important role in these endeavors.
“As supervisors, we play a crucial role in UP’s pursuit of academic excellence and operational efficiency… The university is inviting you to become active partners in implementing initiatives that will enable us to better serve the public and our academic community,” he said.
In his lecture, Resurreccion stressed the critical importance of a competency-based resource management system today.
Beyond their resumés and diplomas, individuals in the workforce must demonstrate competence.
“We need individuals who can solve complex problems, who are flexible, who respond immediately and proactively, and continuously learn. Ito ang basehan natin ng competency-based human resource management,” Resurreccion said. “People who are flexible, resilient, and creative. People who grow, adapt, and lead with empathy. People who embody the competencies we need to inspire change and create impact,” he explained further.
Resurreccion highlighted that the university needs an empowered and competent workforce because they bring programs to life and ensure lasting impact.
He explained that a competency-based human resource management system is about turning work into a shared journey of growth. It is a shift of mindset from managing people to supporting them in their work.
“The system is there to support the management of human resources in an integrated study that aligns every aspect of human resource. [It] ensures that every decision—from hiring to reward and recognition—is guided by the same and clear framework [that is] built on consistency, fairness, and excellence, across the organization,” Resurreccion said.
For his part, Gonzales’s focused on the preparation of UPD for PRIME-HRM (Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management), particularly Level 3 accreditation.
According to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), PRIME-HRM “is a mechanism that empowers government agencies by developing their human resource management competencies, systems, and practices toward human resource excellence. PRIME-HRM entails greater engagement not just of the human resource management officer but also of the officials and the rank-and-file employees of the agency.”
Gonzales said achieving PRIME-HRM accreditation would be definitive proof that the University has an enhanced employer brand, attracting and retaining high-caliber talent due to its strong reputation.
“That also means we have improved employee engagement. Our employees are more motivated, productive with effective performance management, learning and development opportunities, and human resource system. It is also proof that we have increased our efficiency and productivity and streamlined our human resource processes, targeted training programs, and performance culture for better organizational outcomes, and that we embrace continuous improvement,” Gonzales explained.
UPSSA states that the Pamamahala is “the first key and structured learning and development project designed to strengthen supervisors’ competencies in project management, ultimately enhancing UPSSA’s internal operations and overall productivity.”
Meanwhile, registration is now open for the eighth Pamamahala, titled No Hassle, Just Hustle: SEC Registration Simplified. Scheduled for Aug. 18, this session will feature lawyer Eunice Anne C. Ignacio, former assistant corporate secretary of Universal Robina Corporation.
In a related development, UPSSA held its general assembly also on July 18 following the Pamamahala lectures. Discussed at the assembly were the organization’s current plan of action, updates of the Board of Directors and Committee reports, and the UPSSA financial report. Also held at the assembly was the induction of new members.