Learning, Leadership, and Legacy: IRHR 24 Completes a Meaningful Journey

Written by: Arman D. Mangilinan, UP SOLAIR REPS
Date: 15 June 2026

The Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC) of the University of the Philippines Diliman - School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) successfully concluded the 24th Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IRHR 24) on June 6, 2026, after twelve (12) Saturdays of intensive learning, professional exchange, and practical application.

Held onsite at the mini-auditorium in the new building of UP SOLAIR, from 14 March to 6 June 2026, the program brought together 57 professionals from various industries and institutions who sought to deepen their knowledge and competencies in labor law, industrial relations, and human resource management. Participants were composed primarily of senior HR officers and managers (46%), junior HR practitioners (28%), and representatives from the government sector (7%), among others.

Originally conceived and led under the direction of the late Dr. Virgel C. Binghay, the program encountered a profound moment of transition following his untimely passing during the course period. Dr. Binghay's vision, commitment to labor education, and dedication to developing competent HR and industrial relations practitioners served as the foundation of IRHR 24. In the midst of his loss, the program continued under the leadership of Atty. Alvin Liao Alburo, LL.M., UP SOLAIR Assistant Professor and OIC-Director of CIPC, ensuring the successful completion of the course while honoring Dr. Binghay's enduring legacy.

The primary objective of the certificate course is to serve professionals in the corporate sector, government, and academia who are engaged in labor law and human resource management. The program is designed to provide participants with accurate, legitimate, and lawful information that enhances their understanding and application of labor laws, workplace policies, and HR management principles in their respective organizations.

Recognizing that effective workplace governance requires a comprehensive understanding of employment relationships and stakeholder interactions, the course examined a broad range of topics in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from both national and global perspectives. Through twenty (20) lecture-workshop sessions, participants explored contemporary issues affecting workplaces, employee relations, labor standards, organizational development, and strategic human resource management.

A distinctive feature of the Batch 24 was the expanded inclusion of public sector perspectives, reflecting the growing need for industrial relations and HR practitioners to understand the complexities of government employment systems. Topics included the comparison of industrial relations in public and private sectors, key issues and challenges in employee-employer relationships in government institutions, public sector compensation systems, civil service policies on work schedules and employment conditions, occupational safety and health compliance frameworks, public sector unionism and collective organization, dispute resolution mechanisms, and organizational culture management in the public sector.

The success of the program was made possible through the expertise and generosity of its distinguished resource speakers, composed of UP SOLAIR faculty members, Master in Industrial Relations alumni, and industry experts.

The culminating activity on June 6 featured the participants' Capstone Project Presentations, which provided an opportunity for learners to apply the concepts discussed throughout the course to real organizational challenges. Participants analyzed current workplace situations within their respective organizations and developed strategic HR and industrial relations interventions to address identified concerns.

To facilitate meaningful discussion and evaluation, participants were divided into eleven rooms, each assigned a designated critic. Critics provided ratings, highlighted strengths and areas for improvement, and offered recommendations to enhance the feasibility and implementation of proposed interventions. Throughout the activity, participants and evaluators maintained a safe, respectful, professional, and confidential environment, fostering constructive learning and collaboration.

In the afternoon, participants completed the post-test and gathered for the Awarding of Certificates Ceremony, hosted by Mr. Arman D. Mangilinan, IRHR 24 Coordinator.

The ceremony commenced with a prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Melisa R. Serrano, Professor and Dean of UP SOLAIR. A recorded message from Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, LL.M. of UP Diliman, highlights the University's commitment to advancing professional development and sound management in the workplace.

An inspirational message was delivered by Ms. Dothy Grace Bungay, Diploma in IR graduate, pursuing her Master’s degree in UP SOLAIR, and a proud alumna of IRHR 18, who shared how the program contributed to her professional growth and continuing engagement with labor and industrial relations.

Certificates of Completion were awarded to 54 successful participants by Dean Serrano, assisted by Atty. Alburo, Ms. Bungay, and Asst. Prof. Benjamin B. Velasco in recognition of their dedication and successful completion of the program requirements.

A particularly meaningful segment of the ceremony was the video presentation, “Remembering Dr. Dong Binghay," which paid tribute to the late CIPC Director's invaluable contributions to teaching, especially in IR and human resources, to research, and public service. The tribute was followed by a heartfelt song number from Eryk Sabitsana, President of IRHR 24, honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Binghay.

Representing the participants, Ms. Mirasol Ortiz and Mr. Rhomar Santiago delivered messages reflecting on the IRHR journey, highlighting the knowledge gained, professional networks formed, and personal growth experienced throughout the course.

In his closing remarks, Atty. Alburo expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, staff, and partners who contributed to the successful conduct of IRHR 24. He emphasized the continuing role of UP SOLAIR and CIPC in promoting excellence in industrial relations and human resource management education. Following the ceremony, Mr. Sabitsana led a ceremonial toast to celebrate the achievements of the cohort, honor life's milestones, and share wishes of continued success and goodwill.

Concluding the ceremony was the singing of UP Naming Mahal, symbolizing the University's enduring commitment to honor, excellence, and public service.

The overall evaluation results reflected the participants' high level of satisfaction with the program and its learning outcomes. Based on a five-point Likert scale assessment, participants rated 4.61 that the course has enhanced their understanding of key concepts in industrial relations and HR management; scored 4.63 with their overall satisfaction rating with the quality of the certificate course; and received another 4.63 rating that they recommend this certificate course to others interested in industrial relations and HR management. These results emphasized the program's effectiveness in delivering relevant, high-quality learning experiences and its continuing value to HR practitioners and other professionals in the field.

CIPC extends its sincere appreciation to Dean Serrano, the faculty and resource speakers, the dedicated CIPC staff and student assistants, and the hardworking REPS and administrative personnel of UP SOLAIR, whose efforts made the successful conduct of IRHR 24 possible.

As the 24th batch closes a meaningful chapter marked by learning, resilience, and remembrance, UP SOLAIR-CIPC looks forward to welcoming a new batch of learners through IRHR 25, tentatively scheduled for August or September this year and to be delivered through a fully online format, continuing the University's mission of providing accessible and relevant labor and human resource management education to Filipino professionals through-out the country and across the globe.