From Learning to Leading: Alumni Share How IRHR Helped Them Succeed 

By: Arman Mangilinan, REPS, CIPC

Updated: August 28, 2026

Cosca Camille M. Tuason (Cosca)
Head, HR Department, Empire East Land Holdings, Inc.

IRHR Batch 17 (2022)

“The course has significantly contributed to my professional growth by providing a holistic understanding of human resources. As a homegrown talent in our company, I gained valuable insights beyond the basic functions of HR. Learning about various frameworks, labor laws, and policies has significantly improved my ability to address workplace challenges. One key aspect that had a deep impact on my professional development was understanding the full potential of human capital and how HR can help drive productivity and organizational success.”

The course enhanced her HR decision-making skills, motivated her to pursue further education, and built her confidence and professional credibility as she continues her Master’s studies at UP SOLAIR.

Dothy Grace M. Bungay (Dothy)
HR OD and Employee Engagement Senior Manager at ARC Refreshments Corporation

IRHR Batch 18 (2023)

“IRHR further equipped me with foundational knowledge, best practices, and insights into emerging trends in human resource management. It strengthened my credibility in my HR practice and inspired me to pursue further study, despite my advanced age. The HR profession is dynamic, and to be effective, one must remain agile and continuously learn to stay relevant.”

She applied key learnings in developing a recognized people strategy in her company and is now enrolled in Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR).

Francisco Luis A. del Rosario (Franco)
Content Creator and Former Talent Management and Employee Engagement Associate at Meralco

IRHR Batch 19 (2023)

“The IR/HR program equipped me with the knowledge and tools to have a more holistic approach to HR. Topics like the Labor Code of the Philippines and the different aspects of Employee Engagement were tackled. If you are an HR professional or even just someone with a leadership role in an organization, you will definitely get something new from this course.”

He gained critical HR knowledge and policies, leading him to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Relations at UP SOLAIR.

Abiel T. Sumbillo (Abiel)
Administrative Officer IV, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development

IRHR Batch 19 (2023)

“The IRHR Course provides a great foundation for how HRM [Human Resource Management]  may be administered, offering valuable insights beyond specialized roles. It challenges you to reflect on your purpose in the field and how you and your contributions can drive meaningful impact in the workplace, regardless of your stage in your career.”

He gained a deeper understanding of industrial relations, reinforced his purpose in the workplace, and expanded his perspective on how HR management contributes to meaningful organizational change.

 Lord Philamer I. Andres (Dre Andres)
Training & Quality Officer, Asialink Group of Companies

IRHR Batch 20 (2024)

“IRHR is the best certification course in the Human Resource and Labor Relations industry. It has been an adventure that strengthened what I already knew and contributed to the employee relations industry. Humanizing the workforce is always going to be the key in building a world where no one gets left behind.”

The course gave him the confidence to handle HR management, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and HR Operations with a strategic mindset

 Marie Nowie P. Juanillo, CHRP (Nowie)
Human Resource and Administration Manager/ Corporate Treasurer at Johnson Health Tech. Philippines, Inc.

IRHR Batch 20 (2024)

“Thank you, UP SOLAIR, for the opportunity. I will be forever grateful and do the best I can in keeping our advocacy- to help improve the lives of our dear labor force. In terms of personal growth, it helped me discover my aspirations, which led me to pursue a Diploma in Industrial Relations.”

Applied her learnings immediately in her company, leading to career advancement inside and outside her organization.

Mark Lawrence R. Malabanan (Marky)
Senior Lead, Capability Development, Globe Telecom

IRHR Batch 21 (2024)

(Excerpt) “As an HR practitioner, I realized that a strong understanding of labor law and industrial relations was crucial for advancing my HR career. The IRHR program provided me with the opportunity to learn IR and HR theories and apply them to my current role. It also allowed me to expand my professional HR network and inspired me to pursue my dream of formal IRHR education. It is really worth the investment, something that you will not regret.”

Transitioned from a communications graduate to an HR professional, he gained essential HR theoretical knowledge, and is now enrolled in the Diploma in Industrial Relations (DipIR) at UP SOLAIR.

Atty. Christian P. Castro (Atty. Sonny)
Associate City Prosecutor, Sta. Rosa Laguna

IRHR Batch 23 (2025)

“As a lifelong learner working in the government and who wants to transition in the corporate world, the Certificate Course in IRHR opens several opportunities for career advancement. Aside from that, it gives you a foundation in labor laws and human resource management that can be useful for further studies. Moreover, for those in the public sector, the training hours gained in the course is recognized by the Civil Service Commission.”

With a strong interest in Organization Development, Atty. Castro rated his overall IRHR experience a 5/5, highlighting the course content, practical application, flexibility of schedule, and preparation for further graduate studies. The program strengthened his foundation in labor laws and HRM while opening pathways for career mobility from government service toward corporate opportunities.

Salve Trinidad "Jo" P. Malijan
Assistant Department Manager, Land Bank of the Philippines 

IRHR Batch 22 (2025)

(Excerpt) “Through the IRHR course, I gained a deeper understanding of global HR strategies, cross-cultural management, and the complexities of international labor relations. These lessons have directly informed my approach to workplace challenges and strengthened my ability to work effectively in a diverse work environment. On a personal level, the course inspired self-awareness and meaningful connections that contributed to more effective learning.”

Through the IRHR program, Ms. Jo transformed her capstone project on conflict resolution from a set of organizational guidelines into a more participative and inclusive HR policy grounded in industry best practices. The program deepened her understanding of global HR strategies, cross-cultural management, and international labor relations, while fostering meaningful connections, active collaboration, and personal growth that continue to shape her professional practice.

Lemuel L. Resurreccion (Lem)
HR Generalist, Froneri Philippines, Inc.

IRHR Batch 22 (2025)

(Excerpt) “The most profound lesson I carried away from Bonifacio Hall is that HR is never just about managing people. It is about mastering the delicate equilibrium between management prerogative and social justice.”

For Lem, the IRHR program reshaped how he approaches his role as an HR professional. Learning the fundamentals of grievance procedures and just-cause discipline helped him appreciate that effective HR is not simply about following rules, but about ensuring that workplace decisions are grounded in fairness, transparency, respect, and equity. The program's holistic coverage, from payroll and statistics to recruitment, labor relations, and organizational development, broadened his perspective beyond managing systems toward understanding the human dimension of HR. Ultimately, IRHR strengthened his professional rigor while reinforcing his belief that organizational growth must remain anchored in social justice and human dignity.

Lem rated his overall IRHR experience 5/5 and would strongly recommend the program, particularly for professionals who want to move beyond simply managing business processes toward uplifting people and creating workplaces built on trust and fairness.

Rhomar C. Santiago, CHRP (Rham)
Chief Human Resources Officer, Beyond Quest Recruitment Inc.

IRHR Batch 24 (2026)

“IRHR is more than a course, it is a transformation in how you think, decide, and lead as an HR professional. It taught me to look beyond compliance and understand the deeper responsibility of HR: to uphold fairness, protect the integrity of the employment relationship, and make decisions that are both legally sound and human-centered.

What I gained from IRHR was not simply knowledge, but a stronger perspective on leadership. It reminded me that every HR decision carries consequences—not only for the organization, but for the people whose careers and lives we influence.

To me, true HR leadership is where competence meets courage, where knowledge is guided by wisdom, and where every decision is anchored in integrity. That is the mindset I will carry forward from IRHR.”

For Rham Santiago the IRHR program was a transformative experience that strengthened not only his technical knowledge of labor and industrial relations but also his perspective as an HR leader. Rated 5/5, Rham shared that the course challenged him to look beyond policies, procedures, and compliance and consider the legal, human, ethical, and organizational implications of every HR decision. This perspective has helped him approach complex employee and labor relations matters with greater confidence, fairness, and critical thinking. More importantly, IRHR reinforced his belief that HR professionals are stewards of the employment relationship, responsible for building trust, accountability, and organizational stability. For Rham, the program's greatest value lies not simply in gaining knowledge, but in developing the wisdom, courage, and integrity to lead responsibly.

Frederick P. Sabitsana (Eryk)
Assistant Manager-Human Capital, IMS Outsourcing Solutions Inc.
 
IRHR Batch 24 (2026)

“The Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management at UP Diliman was a pivotal step in my career. While the rigorous curriculum provided actionable insights into labor relations and strategic HR, the most rewarding aspect was the incredible camaraderie. Collaborating with fellow professionals, sharing real-world workplace challenges, and navigating complex concepts together built a powerful network and lifelong connections that extend far beyond the classroom.”

For Eryk, the IRHR program provided a significant shift in how he approaches workplace dynamics. He learned to evaluate issues from both employer-risk and employee-advocacy perspectives, while developing practical approaches to negotiation, labor law, and conflict resolution. He also emphasized the value of evidence-based policy design, using legal principles and labor market information to develop more grounded HR decisions. Beyond the classroom, the program's collaborative environment allowed him to build meaningful professional relationships with fellow practitioners.

Cezar A. Cruz
HR Senior Manager, Suntrust Properties, Inc.
 
IRHR Batch 22 (2025) 

“Had a great realization that good HR is less about rules and more about aligning people strategy with the business. UP [SOLAIR] IRHR equips HR practitioners to lead with more confidence and show that HR belongs at the decision-making table.”

For Cezar, the capstone project and presentation became a particularly valuable part of the IRHR experience, allowing him to see the direct relevance of Industrial Relations and HRM to business. The program strengthened his confidence in addressing everyday HR concerns and communicating HR perspectives effectively to management. His experience reflects the growing role of HR as a strategic partner, one that connects people, organizational priorities, and business decisions.

Emir R. Tumanon
President, ABC-5 Employees Union  
 
IRHR Batch 24 (2026) 

“Isang natatanging pagkakataon ang maging bahagi ng IRHR course, nagbibigay nang progresibo at kolektibong kasanayan at karanasan na gabay sa pagsulong ng maka-manggagawang interes.”

[“Being part of the IRHR course was a unique opportunity that provided progressive and collective skills and experiences that serve as a guide in advancing labor-centered interests.”]

Emir's experience in IRHR deepened his appreciation of fair work, care work, and decent work, particularly amid the changing realities of the gig economy and migrant workforce. As a leader in the labor movement, the program strengthened his confidence in expressing ideas, approaching workplace conflicts creatively, and advocating for worker welfare. He also valued the opportunity to learn alongside fellow professionals and exchange best practices, reinforcing his belief that collaboration is essential in developing progressive and worker-centered solutions. 

Together, these alumni experiences illustrate the diverse ways IRHR contributes to professional development: from strengthening labor relations and evidence-based HR practice to promoting worker welfare and positioning HR as a strategic voice in organizational decision-making. Their stories reinforce the value of continuous learning, professional collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the human dimension of work.