Planting Seeds of Public Service: SIBOL Welcomes New UP Employees

SIBOL: Orientation for New Employees

February 23, 24, 26, 2026 | SOLAIR Auditorium

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (OVCA), through the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), successfully conducted SIBOL: Orientation for New Employees on 23, 24, and 26 February 2026. The first two days of the program were held via Zoom, while the culminating face-to-face session took place at the Isabelo de los Reyes Auditorium.

SIBOL is an annual orientation program for newly appointed personnel of University of the Philippines Diliman. The program is implemented in compliance with the policies of the Civil Service Commission, which require government agencies to provide an orientation for newly appointed employees under the Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions. Through this initiative, the University ensures that new personnel are introduced not only to the policies and benefits of government service but also to the values and culture of UP.

The 2026 run of SIBOL gathered 90 participants from among the 130 employees appointed between March 2025 and January 2026, as reported by the HRDO Information Management Section. The program served as an important venue for participants to better understand their roles as public servants and as members of the UP community.

The orientation opened with preliminaries and welcoming messages that highlighted the significance of public service within the University. In her program overview, HR Development and Benefits Division Chief Leizel P. Lectura emphasized the meaning of the Oblation as a symbol of selfless service and discussed the responsibilities of being a model public servant. Participants were reminded of the importance of professionalism, accountability, respect in workplace interactions, and a growth mindset in adapting to the evolving demands of public service. The session also underscored the value of the “One University” spirit, encouraging employees to work collaboratively in upholding integrity, excellence, and service across the campus.

A major component of the orientation was the series of talks delivered by partner government agencies, which introduced the benefits and privileges available to government employees. Representatives from the Home Development Mutual Fund, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Employees’ Compensation Commission discussed housing programs, insurance coverage, health benefits, and employee compensation programs available to government workers. These sessions enabled participants to gain a clearer understanding of how these benefits support their welfare and long-term financial security.

Internal offices of the University also played a key role in the program. Units such as the Human Resource Development Office, Diliman Information Office, and the Supply and Property Management Office introduced their respective mandates and services, helping participants navigate the various administrative processes and resources available within the University. These sessions also provided an opportunity to discuss workplace policies, professional conduct, and the expectations placed upon UP personnel as members of a premier state university.

The face-to-face session on the final day of the program further enriched the experience by allowing participants to interact with representatives from 29 offices and organizations within the campus through information booths. These booths showcased a wide range of services available to employees and their families, including educational support programs, health services, employee welfare initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth.

Through these activities, SIBOL continues to serve as a vital platform for helping new employees transition into their roles within the University. By familiarizing them with government service benefits, institutional policies, and the broader UP Diliman community, the program supports employees in beginning their journey as public servants committed to excellence, integrity, and meaningful service.