Transforming Service, Strengthening Values: LINANG’s First Run in UP Diliman

The University of the Philippines System, in its commitment to "Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation," launched the LINANG: Mga Serye ng Pagsasanay para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Paglilingkod sa Pamantasan at Bayan. This first cascading session at UP Diliman aimed to cultivate dynamic relationships, social responsibility, and high-quality work by equipping employees with the knowledge, mindset, attitude, and skills necessary to enhance professional expertise and deliver effective service. The program sought to inspire participants to align their personal values with the University’s mission, ultimately strengthening the culture of honor, excellence, and service across UP.

The first part of the series, ROSES (Relationship Operations and Sensitivity Enhancement Seminar), focused on self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution as tools to improve workplace relationships. Facilitated by Asst. Prof. Ma. Theresa DC. De Guzman and Ms. Imelda R. Reyes, ROSES guided participants through reflective exercises that encouraged them to explore their emotions, recognize common experiences, and practice empathy. Through activities like MAGS and mirroring dyads, employees learned the importance of listening actively, understanding their colleagues’ perspectives, and taking responsibility for resolving conflicts constructively. ROSES emphasized that healthy relationships at work start with the individual, and the seminar helped participants cultivate the mindset and skills necessary to create a positive, collaborative environment.

The second part, WAVES (Work Attitude and Value Enhancement Seminar), centered on developing a deeper understanding of organizational values and integrating them into daily work practices. Facilitated by Ms. Eva G. Cadiz and Ms. Marilen P. Tagal, WAVES encouraged participants to reflect on their personal principles, professional goals, and alignment with UP’s mission. Through group sharing and workshops, employees discussed how values such as honor, excellence, and service could be translated into observable behaviors, including empathy, humility, integrity, commitment, and professional excellence. The session underscored that embodying these values goes beyond individual achievement; it is about contributing to a culture of collaboration, ethical behavior, and meaningful service to the University and the nation.

The third and final part, CSW (Completed Staff Work), was facilitated by Ms. Leizel P. Lectura, Mr. Crestian Joseph B. Sulla, and Ms. Jasmine G. Martinez. CSW highlighted the importance of thorough, well-prepared work as a reflection of both professional competence and institutional values. Participants learned that every output, whether a report, policy recommendation, or administrative document, carries the imprint of the person who created it and the relationships they seek to foster. Through exercises analyzing real workplace challenges, the facilitators emphasized that CSW empowers staff to contribute meaningfully to decision-making, ensures operational efficiency, and builds a culture of accountability and excellence. By examining problems, evaluating alternatives, and proposing actionable solutions, participants saw CSW as not just a requirement but a standard of professional integrity and a tool for collective growth.

The program culminated in the presentation of capstone projects and graduation, where participants shared their reflections and commitments to uphold the University’s values. Jonathan S. Beldia, program salutatorian from the College of Media and Communication, expressed that LINANG had been transformative, advocating for its institutionalization across the UP System so that faculty, REPS, and administrative staff alike can embrace a unified culture of excellence and service. He emphasized that the training boosts employee performance and fosters proactive engagement in the workplace. Meanwhile, program valedictorian Ronally Anne G. Dela Mata-Tabo from the Marine Science Institute encouraged participants to continue the journey of self-awareness and value-driven service beyond the program, envisioning LINANG cascading to all employees and guiding everyone toward a shared goal.

In her closing remarks, Vice Chancellor for Administration Adeline A. Pacia highlighted the timeliness and significance of LINANG, noting that the values cultivated through the program—honor, excellence, and service—must be internalized and brought into daily work, enabling employees to respond to the challenges of public service with competence, empathy, and dedication. She posed a final reflection to the participants: having embraced these principles, are they ready to carry them forward and answer the call of service to the nation?