The Bureau of Labor Relations honored the 2016 and 2017 Workers Organization Development Program (WODP) graduates during the Annual Recognition Ceremony held last May 26, 2017 at the Labor Governance Learning Center (LGLC), DOLE Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The ceremony intended to celebrate the academic achievements and successful completion of WODP scholars, and recognize the support of their parents and sponsoring labor organizations. It also aimed to inspire on-going scholars pursue their studies and achieve their dreams.

A total of twenty-two (22) WODP graduates for school years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 were honored. Fourteen (14) WODP scholars were sponsored by DFA-KMU, namely Juan Paolo L. Alemania (BS Medical Technology-University of Perpetual Help Biñan); Patricia Mae R. Verastigue (BS in Business Administration-Sacred Heart College Lucena City); Jwency P. Ricohermoso (BS in Accounting-Pamantasan ng Cabuyao); Liezel D. Soriano (BS in Computer Science-Pamantasan ng Cabuyao); Pamela A. Adia (BS in Food Technology-Technological University of the Philippines); Princess M. Cequeña (BS in Entrepreneurship-Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Tricia Anne O. Matute (BS Business Administration Major in Marketing-Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Jayare L. Villasis (BS in Business Management-STI College Parañaque); Jeffrey R. Aliparo (BS Education Major in English-Pamantasan ng Cabuyao); Karl Jerome L. Lorenzo (BS in Marine Transportation- University of Perpetual Help System Laguna); Francis F. Orgen (BS in Information Technology-STI College Global City); Zenaida P. Visaya (BS in Tourism-Philippine Women’s University-CDCEC Calamba); Kaycelynne C. dela Rosa (BS in Computer Science- Pamantasan ng Cabuyao);and Lara Mae S. Avellano (BS Dentistry-Adventist University of the Philippines). PTGWO also sponsored four (4) scholars, namely: Jeannie Rose P. De Guzman (BS in Economics-Bulacan State University); Roben T. Cabintoy (BS in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management-Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Jennica P. Oliverio (BS in Custom Administration-Trece Martires City College); and Jorella Marie V. Baltazar (BS in Accountancy-Dr. Yanga College, Inc.). The roster of graduates also includes Renzel Akeem L. Daez (BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management-National University) sponsored by Samahang Manggagawa sa Fairland-SUPER; John Riz B. Abrian (BS in Mechanical Engineering-Laguna State Polytechnic University) sponsored by SUMAPI; Jimmy C. Miranda, Jr. (BS in Secondary Education Major in English-Polytechnic University of the Philippines) sponsored by NFWU-KMU; and Nikka Diane B. Espiritu (BS in Psychology-Trinity Asia) sponsored by SMART-ADLO.

Two (2) of the scholars, Ms. Jorella Marie J. Baltazar and Mr. Jwency P. Ricohermoso, both with distinguished award as Cum Laude shared their stories and motivational messages before the audience.

Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango, assisted by Dir. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, awarded the Certificates of Recognition to the scholars who were accompanied by their parents and representatives of their sponsor labor organization.

Mr. Peter Ragudo of PTGWO and Mr. Noel Adia of DFA-KMU expressed gratitude to BLR in providing educational opportunities to officers and members of trade unions and workers’ organizations including their dependents through the WODP. They encouraged the graduates to look back and thank their parents.

The ceremony also featured lectures on labor and employment matters. Ms. Ofelia M. Legaspi of Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) discussed drug prevention in the workplace. Ms. Mafel S. Sanchez and Melinda D. Banaag of Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) talked about Gender and Development (GAD) and other women-related laws. Ms. Robelyn C. Revilla of Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) discussed Labor Market Information and Employment Guide to provide the graduates and on-going scholars accurate information essential for making sound career decisions.

In his inspirational send-off message, Dir. Benavidez encouraged the graduates to instill the values they have learned, pursue excellence and give their best efforts as the real journey starts after graduating.

Asst. Secretary Gloria Tango commended the scholars for their determination in pursuing their studies while working with their respective organization and encouraged the scholars to be partners in promoting industrial peace.

END/ Luz R. Rosas