The UPLB Human Resources Development Office (HRDO), in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), held the first REPS Personnel Committee (RPC) Forum on April 25, 2025, at the ICOPED Auditorium, College of Economics and Management. 

The forum served as a platform for in-depth discussions on REPS personnel policies, particularly hiring, tenure, and promotion.

In his opening message, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. acknowledged that he may not always be present at REPS events, but it is, in fact, the REPS community that continues to inspire him. 

He proudly shared that in every UP System meeting he attends, UPLB’s REPS governance consistently stands out as a model, citing its strong community structure, meaningful programs, and unwavering efforts to promote members’ welfare. 

While acknowledging that REPS have yet to receive the benefits they hope for, he encouraged everyone to persist, affirming that they can achieve these goals with hard work.

Ms. Gilanda S. Parungao, administrative officer of HRDO, then presented an overview of the REPS hiring process. 

Parungao explained the policies concerning the Authority to Fill, its approval flow, the requirements for posting REPS job vacancies, and the roles of the unit and college REPS personnel committees. 

Gian Paul A. Baccorro, an administrative assistant, discussed the evaluation process for applicants, including the deliberation procedures and approval steps for endorsements and appointments.

The final resource speaker, Percival James O. Natural, a university researcher at the OVCRE, presented the REPS tenure and promotion guidelines, providing insights into the policies and procedures supporting their career progression.

As part of the program, outgoing RPC members were invited to share their experiences and advice with the incoming members, namely Arnold T. Abuyog, a development management officer of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Renz C. Cao, a librarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine; Janett A. Dolor, a guidance service specialist at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; and Maria Lea H. Villavicencio, a university researcher at the Institute of Plant Breeding. 

Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon, university extension specialist and director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, who serves as an RPC member, also shared his insights with the audience. 

The RPC members agreed that while sound policies are already in place, they have a duty to uphold and implement them effectively to advance the REPS community.

To formally close the event, Ricardo Amiel V. Reveche, HRDO supervising administrative officer, delivered the closing remarks. 

Reveche reiterated that the policies supporting REPS are well-established and assured that HRDO remains committed to supporting the REPS community in upholding their welfare and professional growth. ( Michelle Montiel-De Leon)