New Employees’ Orientation Program

Great things start from small beginnings. For new employees of the University of the Philippines Manila, these humble beginnings started as they were welcomed through the New Employees’ Orientation Program (NEOP2 2025) conducted on March 25, 2025 at the 8th Floor Social Hall, PGH Central Block Building. The event was organized by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) of UP Manila, marking the start of the employees’ fulfilling journey of professional development in UP Manila. 

NEOP 2025 aimed to familiarize the participants with UP Manila’s culture, policies, and core values, and served as a platform to introduce the university officials and organizational structure and services essential for the employees work and development.

The day kicked off with the opening remarks from Dr. Johanna Patricia Adevoso-Cañal, Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance. She went on a trip down memory lane, sharing her experience of being a newcomer in an unfamiliar environment. She acknowledged the challenges of navigating through a new and daunting workplace, and emphasized the importance of events and support systems like the NEOP in preparing new employees as they transition into new roles.

Following the opening remarks was the morning session led by the staff of the HRDO. Ms. Dana Faye V. Olfindo and Ms. Liezel Jane C. Segovia provided an introduction of the history, core values, mission, and vision of UP Manila, and an overview of the different sections of HRDO whom they can contact in times when they have concerns. 

Mr. Arvy John F. Crescini, Head of the Appointment, Statistics, and Records Section of HRDO, introduced the university’s performance appraisal system or the semestral performance target evaluation. Following this was a walkthrough of the different websites and online channels utilized by UP Manila employees led by Ms. Loudelle S. Arellano, Administrative Assistant I from the Appointment, Statistics, and Records Section of the HRDO. She introduced the Personnel Unified Systems Outlook or PUSO website, UP Manila’s online portal for employee-related services, and the HRDO’s Website and YouTube channel. 

Subsequently, Ms. Julia Marie Cabalda, Junior Project Associate of the Learning and Development Section of HRDO, where she discussed the unit’s role in identifying and addressing the needs in professional development by crafting targeted training programs. Mr. Derick Dimpsy V. Palacio, Head of the Leaves and Benefits Section, then explained the various employee benefits, including leave entitlements and government-mandated privileges. 

After the presentation of HRDO employees, Mr. Palacio entertained a multitude of questions from the audience, clarifying their concerns on the benefits enjoyed by the employees of UP Manila, as well as the different documentary requirements they should take care of to receive these privileges.

Representatives from key government offices like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Pag-IBIG Fund were also invited. Ms. Bernadette A. Reyes of GSIS expounded on the retirement benefits of government employees, while Ms. Aiko Mendoza and Ms. Clarizar J. Magluyan of the Pag-IBIG Fund outlined the different loan programs and membership benefits available to government employees.  

Highlighting the importance of collective action were the presentations of Ms. Maria Elizabeth Ladeza of the All UP Workers Union (AUPWU) and Ms. Lara Fatima L. Lintao of the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU). They introduced their respective organizations and advocacies, encouraging new employees to be part of a bigger cause in amplifying the voices of the silenced, and advocating for the welfare of workers.

Another focal point of the event was the discussion on inculcating gender sensitivity among new employees. To expound more on this topic, Dr. Leilanie Apostol-Nicodemus of the Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS) underscored the importance of observing gender sensitivity in the workplace, ultimately creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. 

Closing the day’s program was a presentation by Ms. Robelyn P. Aguilar from the UP Provident Fund, where she explained the sector’s role in helping government employees build financial security through a savings program, as well as provide support for employees upon retirement or separation from the institution. 

The event concluded with high hopes for the new UP Manila employees, as Mr. Michael Antonio F. Mendoza, DIrector of the Human Resource Development Office, delivered his closing remarks, expressing his gratitude to the new employees for choosing UP Manila as a part of their professional journey. He encouraged them to uphold the university’s commitment to excellence, and to never falter in being of service to the public and the Filipino nation