Building on an initial meeting held on 22 March 2024, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) throug the Civil Service Institute (CSI) have agreed to forge a partnership aimed at transforming civil service training in the Philippines. In a recent meeting held on 13 May 2024 at the Teaching and Learning Hub, UP Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, both institutions outlined a collaborative effort to develop and offer innovative courses aimed at enhancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital competency, organizational development, climate literacy, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), civil defense, leadership with a focus on digital ethics, mental health, wellness, and well-being, among others.  

From the Civil Service Institute, attendees included Fernando “Ping” M. Porio, Director IV; Emylin “Ems” O. Severo, Director III; Maria Desiree S. Bacsa-Mallo, Supervising HR Specialist; Jabrielle Vincee D. Anastacio, Supervising HR Specialist; and Lyka Angelique Villegas-Baluyot, HR Specialist II.

Representing UPOU were Prof. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS); Assoc. Prof. Finaflor Taylan, Program Chair, Diploma in/Master of Social Work; Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol, Program Chair, Diploma in Land Use Planning; Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, Program Chair, Diploma in Women and Development (via Zoom); Asst. Prof. Lianne Angelico Depante, Program Chair, Master of Public Management (via Zoom); Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, University Extension Associate II; and Ms. Sydney Rovin Macahiya, FMDS Support Staff for Microcredentials. 

The meeting, attended by key stakeholders from both institutions, highlighted the commitment of UPOU and CSI to enhancing the skills and knowledge of civil service workers in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. SDG 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Additionally, the alliance is also consistent with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society to achieve the SDGs.

The partnership, set to launch in September 2024, aligns with the Civil Service Month, and will feature a hybrid event combining onsite and online elements. The courses, designed to be stackable under Social Work and Public Management programs, will cater to the diverse needs of civil service professionals, offering them opportunities for career advancement and skill development. 

This collaboration signifies a significant step towards capacitating the 2 million civil service workers in the country with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. 

Following a fruitful meeting,  Dean Serrano led the partners on a tour of the Permaculture G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship and Nutrition) highlighting the sustainable practices that can be adopted in their own offices. She also shared insights on how gardening can positively impact mental health, adding a wellness component to the lifestyle of UPOU employees.

Moving forward, both UPOU and CSI will work closely to finalize the details of the partnership, including the development of course content and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize their collaboration.

Written by: Dona Lyn M. Piamonte • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

No event found!