Strengthening Administrative Excellence: UP Diliman Holds Refresher Program for Unit Heads

Article by: Rovalie P. Tamayao

Photos by: Medrick D. Amis

Aligned with its mission to pursue operational excellence, the University of the Philippines Diliman, recently conducted a two-day orientation program for Unit Administrators on April 28-29 at Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman.

Seventy university administrators, including Deans, Directors, and Department Chairs, recently participated in an impactful two-day refresher program. Hosted by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, the SIBOL program equipped leaders with updated insights into critical operational areas: budget planning, recruitment, performance management, property accountability, and financial systems.

Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II opened the program with a recorded message acknowledging the crucial yet challenging role of administrators, encouraging collaboration to overcome obstacles. Vice Chancellor for Administration Prof. Adeline A. Pacia then formally welcomed attendees, provided an overview of the program, and introduced OVCA’s structure and key personnel, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve office operations, to set the tone for the sessions.

Dir. Antonio M. Becoñado of the Diliman Budget Office followed with an in-depth discussion on budget planning, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation and the accountability tied to administrators' signatures.

Followed by HRDO Director Prof. Arthur A. Gonzales III presented the office's strategic direction, focusing on human resource development, digital transformation, and operational efficiency and discussing the role of Unit Administrators in achieving PRIME HRM Level 3 . Recruitment Division Head Ms. Rosalinda J. Tingco delivered a comprehensive orientation on the recruitment and selection process, including turnaround times and the administrators’ role, alongside the use of the Personnel Unified Systems Outlook.

In the afternoon, HRDO Benefits and Development Section Chiefs—Ms. Shierylyn T. Sison, Ms. Maria Amelia S. Manlolo, and Mr. Wilfredo M. Delfinado, Jr.—highlighted employee benefits and development opportunities, emphasizing the role of recognition and training in building a competent workforce.

Mr. Rogelio T. Estrada, Jr., Chief of the HRDO Planning and Research Division, presented a practical guide on performance management and grievance handling. He explained the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) and the alignment of individual performance with institutional goals, reinforcing administrators’ responsibilities in cascading these goals across units.

The Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO), led by Atty. Rachel A. Locsin with Mr. Ronel S. Clariza, Mr. Cenon D. Esguerra, and Mr. Lyle Ronald C. Yap, gave an overview of property management procedures. They emphasized administrators' accountability for university-issued assets.

To close the first day, Prof. Dina C. Magnaye, Dean of the School of Urban and Regional Planning, shared best practices from her unit. She underscored the value of strategic planning, trust in leadership, and the importance of empowering people to achieve organizational goals.

On the second day of the orientation, Director Cecilia J. Morales and Ms. Karen Krista F. Villanueva of the Diliman Accounting Office (DAO) discussed essential processes including the preparation of financial documents, processing of claims, submission of reports and statements, and the management of trust funds.

Last to present is Director Arlene A. Romero of the Diliman Cash Office (DCO) provided a briefing on the Budget Utilization and Liquidation System Analytics (BULSA), focusing on billing and collection modules, payment processes, and the fulfillment of monetary obligations.

To conclude the program, HRDO Deputy Director Kristian July R. Yap expressed his gratitude to the administrators for dedicating their time and energy to the two-day orientation. He acknowledged their pivotal role in driving institutional progress and emphasized that each of them is a bearer of change. He encouraged the participants to apply the insights gained during the sessions and to actively cascade these learnings to their respective units. By doing so, he noted, administrators contribute not only to improving operations but also to fostering a culture of continuous learning and collective accountability within the University.

Through this comprehensive refresher, UP Diliman reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening operational excellence across its units. By enhancing understanding of institutional procedures and promoting collaborative governance, the university empowers its administrators to lead with accountability, foresight, and service excellence.