The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) recently conducted a training for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 6 entitled, “Empowered Customer Service Training (Empowering COMELEC Personnel for Responsive and Quality Delivery of Client Services) held between 03-08 June 2024 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City, Philippines.
The UPOU FICS Team hosted three (3) batches of participants for the whole duration of the training. Each batch was composed of 3 groups, with each group ranging between 30-40 participants. The first batch was scheduled on 03-04 June 2024; second batch on 05-06 June 2024, and the last batch on 07-08 June 2024.
Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, graced the event with an opening message, timely emphasizing the 2023-2029 strategic plan of the University of the Philippines which highlights public service with honor and excellence. She further stressed that “The ultimate articulation of our instruction and research functions is public service, implying that the people should be at the center.” She also welcomed the participants into UPOU’s lifelong learning community, stating, “UPOU’s learning paradigm places the learner and learning at the center of the teaching-learning structure, which guides the learning design. Learner agency to facilitate active participation is an integral part of it.”
Dr. Aurora Fe Bautista, Training Team Leader and Course Designer, was the resource speaker. Atty. Alma Kristina A. Amolar, a guest resource speaker from the Civil Service Commission Region 6, discussed the first topic Principles of Professional Conduct and Quality Service. The other topics covered in this training include: Integrating COMELEC Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG) and Guiding Principles; Responding to COMELEC Clients and their Needs; and Maintaining Respect and Credibility.
Through these topics, the training aimed to empower COMELEC personnel to observe the highest standards of integrity and ethics in rendering quality service to its clients and public, through a contextual understanding, integration, and application of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA6713), and in pursuit of COMELEC vision mission and guiding principles.
Dr. Diego S. Maranan, UPOU FICS Dean, capped off the training with his closing remarks, underscoring the importance of the COMELEC’s role in the democratic process. “Your commitment to enforcing and administering the laws and regulations related to elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referendums, and recalls is vital in maintaining the sanctity of our democratic process,” he noted. He encouraged participants to embody the training lessons, adding, “As we move forward, let us carry the lessons we have learned here into our daily work. Let us commit to embodying the highest standards of integrity and ethics, ensuring that every interaction with the public is marked by professionalism and empathy.”
The training’s success was made possible by the invaluable contributions of the training team composed not only from UPOU, but also of other UP units; indicating that when it comes to tapping expertise, UP can go beyond the usual and conventional institutional boundaries. The training facilitators included Dr. Blanquita S. Garcia, Assoc. Prof. Evelyn O. Alobba, Asst. Prof. Anna Lisa M. Barcelona, Asst. Prof. Rene Trance and Dr. Emely M. Amoloza. The media production and secretariat team led by the training coordinator, Ms. Imelda B. Valera, comprised Lourdes Mendoza, Wrynz Dale R. Sumalde, Pascal Andream B. Valera, and Marie Emmanuelle B. Uy, with IT support from Mr. Efrain V. Servento.
Written by Maria Paula T. Bautista ♦ Edited by Emely M. Amoloza ♦ Contributed by FICS
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