The University of the Philippines Open University Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (UPOU FICS), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Development Communication (UPLB CDC), recently conducted a training workshop for the administrative staff of the Department of Science and Technology Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Entitled “Essential Writing Skills 2.0: Advanced Business Writing Training Workshop,” the event was held from 15-16 July 2024 at the Germanium Training Room, MIRDC Gold Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Metro Manila.
Dr. Emely M. Amoloza of UPOU FICS, serving as the overall training organizer and course designer, alongside Assistant Professor Miguel Victor T. Durian from UPLB CDC, led the two-day workshop aimed at enhancing the business communication skills of DOST-SEI Administrative Staff. Ms. Maria Paula Bautista who served as the training facilitator discussed the different AI tools and shared her experiences in using them. The workshop featured six sessions: Using AI Tools in Writing, Clear and Effective Writing and Editing, Writing the Memorandum, Writing the Letter, Writing the Minutes of the Meeting, and Writing the Technical Report. These sessions were designed to equip participants with the ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful business communications, thereby promoting greater efficiency and professionalism within the organization. The training was further enriched with supplementary lectures on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Effective Communication, providing a strong foundation for the session series.
Mr. Philip J. Bue, Chief Administrative Officer of DOST-SEI, opened the event with welcoming remarks, sharing personal anecdotes from his own experience participating in UPOU’s online training sessions. He encouraged attendees to engage actively in the sessions while enjoying the learning process. Mr. Bue emphasized DOST-SEI’s commitment to equipping its staff with knowledge and skills that foster both personal and professional growth, ultimately contributing to the department’s overall development and success.
The sessions featured individual or group activities, followed by presentations that allowed participants to apply the concepts they had learned. These activities included using AI tools and reflecting on post-practice perceptions, completing self-assessment quizzes on clear and effective writing, reviewing and critiquing sample memorandums and business letters, analyzing sample minutes of meetings, and outlining a project proposal.
In their evaluation, participants highlighted that they particularly appreciated how the speakers made the workshop enjoyable and engaging. They noted that the speakers were not only knowledgeable and friendly but also excelled in interactive discussions and sharing their experiences.
Ms. Joana Medina, Unit Head of the HRDO, concluded the two-day workshop with a brief message, expressing gratitude to the participants for their active engagement and to the resource speakers for their insightful sessions. She also conveyed her hope for continued collaboration with UPOU in future training workshops. After the awarding of certificates, Dr. Amoloza delivered the closing remarks, expressing her hope that participants gained valuable insights from the sessions. She emphasized the reciprocal learning that took place, as the resource speakers also gained new perspectives from the participants. This evolved through the student-centered approach of the training. Dr. Amoloza highlighted the importance of continuous learning and professional development, and she looks forward to future collaborations with DOST-SEI, aiming to provide more opportunities for capacity-building and skill enhancement.
This training workshop aligns with UPOU’s mandate under Republic Act 10650 (Open Distance Learning Law), which tasks UPOU with assisting national agencies, higher education institutions, and technical and vocational institutions in developing their distance education programs. UPOU fulfills this mandate through training, technical assistance, research, and other academic initiatives, thereby contributing to the broader mission of enhancing the quality and accessibility of education across the Philippines.
Written by Maria Paula T. Bautista ♦ Edited by Emely M. Amoloza ♦ Contributed by FICS
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