By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), through its UniFAST Unit, successfully conducted an episode of the SEED Project centered on Basic Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in conjunction with the Third Quarter UniFAST Meeting on August 28, 2024, at Baguio Central University, Bonifacio St., Baguio City.

The episode aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of UniFAST Unit members, UniFAST Focal Persons, and other interested employees of the Regional Office in OSH practices, thereby fostering a culture of safety and health within the organization.

The event was attended by 60 participants, including UniFAST Focal Persons from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region.

Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., Director IV of CHED-CAR, honored the event with his presence. In his address, he underscored the significance of occupational safety and health for all workers, emphasizing that safety is everyone’s responsibility. He praised the UniFAST Unit for the successful execution of SEED Project episodes and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to enhance the skills and capabilities of employees and focal persons. Dr. Anduyan also conveyed his appreciation to the UniFAST Focal Persons for their dedication and effectiveness in implementing programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The featured speaker, Mr. Daryl B. Ponard, Labor and Employment Officer III of the Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Administrative Region, provided valuable insights on OSH.

In the afternoon, the UniFAST Unit held its Third Quarter Meeting, where they discussed updates on various processes and addressed other pertinent concerns.

Also present at the event were Dr. Ma. Geraldine F. Casipit, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED-CAR, along with Ms. Menzie O. Kuengan, Supervising Education Program Specialist, Dr. Bernadette C. Pal-ec, Education Supervisor II and UniFAST Focal Person, Mr. Jude Ambucay, Education Program Specialist II, and several Regional Coordinators for UniFAST.

The Skills Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) Project is a learning and development program initiated by the CHED-CAR UniFAST Unit in 2022. The project aims to cultivate a highly skilled and customer-focused workforce within the Regional Office and among UniFAST Focal Persons in the region’s HEIs. The recently concluded episode marks the 18th segment in the series since its inception.