2025 SIBOL Orientation for New Administrative Staff and REPS

Caption/Article by: Rovalie Tamayao & Kaye Bautista-Marasigan

Material/Graphics by: Jan-Jan Eslera, Medrick Amis & Beaver Lagura

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) community warmly welcomed its newest members at the recently held SIBOL: Orientation for New Employees on March 10-11, 2025, at the College of Fine Arts Multipurpose Hall.

SIBOL, meaning "growth" or "to sprout" in Filipino, serves as a vibrant and welcoming orientation program designed to introduce new employees to the UP Diliman community. The program offers an opportunity to learn about institutional policies, procedures, and resources, while also fostering connections with fellow new hires and key personnel. It’s all about equipping employees with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their new roles!

🌱 Day 1: A Warm Welcome and Essential Insights

The event kicked off with a heartwarming message from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jose Carlo G. de Pano, delivered on behalf of Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, warmly welcoming the SIBOL participants. He highlighted the spirit of the University of the Philippines, emphasizing that their journey is not just about being part of an institution but about joining a movement that champions excellence, integrity, and service to society. This was followed by an engaging talk on “Wastong Pag-uugali at Asal sa mga Lugar ng Paggawa” by Mr. Rogelio Estrada, Jr. from the HRDO Planning and Research Division (HRPRD). 

Attendees also had the chance to learn about important government services available to them as members of national institutions, including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Employee Compensation Commission (ECC), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund.

CSC UP/NIA Field Office Acting Director Mark Anthony G. Malitan, highlighted the key points of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) through an engaging presentation, complete with pop-up trivia to keep the audience involved.

To cap off Day 1 of SIBOL, a representative from the ECC, discussed the benefits government employees can avail in case of accidents while commuting to and from work or during official business hours. This session provided valuable information on how employees can protect themselves and their families through these programs.

🌻 Day 2: Exploring UP Diliman and Key Offices

The second day opened with an insightful introduction to the history and legacy of the University of the Philippines by the Diliman Information Office (DIO) represented by Ms. Shirley S. Arandia.  Prof. Kristian July R. Yap, HRDO’s Deputy Director, welcomed the new employees once again and shared an overview of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME HRM) on behalf of HRDO Director Arthur A. Gonzales III.

The day continued with introductions to various UPD offices that will play key roles in the new employees’ journey. The Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) was highlighted as their partner in employee development, guiding them from recruitment & promotion, rewards & recognition, learning & development, and event post-retirement benefits. Mr. Ronel S. Clariza from the Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO) also provided valuable reminders on the employees’ responsibilities regarding office equipment and properties.

For both days of the event, booths were set up just outside the hall, offering employees the chance to ask questions and connect further with the various offices and organizations. 

Games, giveaways, and fun activities were also prepared as delightful welcome tokens for all the newly hired employees.

To wrap up the day, Ms. Rosalinda J. Tingco, HRDO’s Chief Administrative Officer for Recruitment Division, on behalf of Vice Chancellor Adeline A. Pacia, thanked all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions to the event. The SIBOL Orientation successfully welcomed new employees, equipping them with essential knowledge about their roles, benefits, and responsibilities as part of the UP Diliman community and the government, marking a meaningful step in their journey as dedicated public servants and members of the University of the Philippines.

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