The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP) successfully conducted its 2026 In-Service Training (INSET) on February 5, 2026, at the Dioko Resort and Ecotourism Park, Brgy. San Joaquin, San Pablo City, Laguna. The activity was attended by more than 200 teaching and non-teaching personnel, marking a strong show of institutional participation and commitment.
Anchored on the theme “Beyond the Screen: Actualizing Safe Spaces and Digital Efficiency in the Workplace,” the INSET aimed to strengthen professional readiness, promote inclusive and respectful work environments, and enhance digital efficiency among University personnel. The activity is a regular institutional undertaking conducted at the start of every semester, serving as a strategic platform to align faculty and staff with the University’s academic, administrative, and ethical directions.
Executive Committee and Leadership Oversight
The 2026 INSET was conducted under the guidance and leadership of the INSET 2026 Executive Committee, composed of:
Hon. Arcadio “Najie” Gapangada, Jr., City Mayor and Chairperson, PLSP Board of Regents
Dr. Preciosa D. Villacruel, Interim University President
Dr. Sigfredo C. Adajar, College Administrator
Dr. Randall B. Pasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Marc Lester F. Quintana, Vice President for Research and Extension
Their collective leadership ensured that the training remained aligned with the University’s mission, public service mandate, and institutional development goals.
Technical Working Group and Committees
The INSET was organized through a Technical Working Group (TWG) led by two key University units: the Center for Gender Equality and Development (CGED) and the Center for Curriculum Development and Instruction (CCDI), with Mr. Mark Francis Donato, Director of CGED, and Director Lorena Bautista, Director of CCDI, as lead persons.
The TWG members included Mr. Elibert Singson, Director for Administrative Services; Ms. Annabel Escolano, Director for Finance Services; Ms. Czarina Mengote-Banayo, Head of the Human Resource Management Unit; and Mr. Elneo Ulan, Head of the Supply Office.
To ensure smooth implementation, several working committees were mobilized, namely:
Program, Invitation, and Certificates Committee: College of Computing Sciences and Engineering, led by Dean Rosiel Consignado, in coordination with HRMU headed by Ms. Czarina Mengote-Banayo
Registration Committee: College of Business Administration and Management (CBAM) led by Dean Layzon Briones, with HRMU and the support of casual employees with teaching loads
Food and Accommodation Committee: College of Tourism and Hospitality Management led by Dean John Dominic Florendo, and the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences led by Dean Cesar Hernandez, Jr.
Physical Arrangement Committee: College of Arts and Sciences led by Dean Jeroze Reyes, College of Accountancy led by Dean Vivian Asacta, and the Institute for National Training for Nation Building headed by Dean Layzon Briones
Evaluation and Fun Activities Committee: College of Teacher Education led by Dean Jay-Ann Octoman, with support from the Institute of Human Kinetics headed by Director Evan Jesusco
Documentation Committee: Presidential Media Affairs Office / International and Local Affairs led by Director Alvaro Dioquino, Jr., in coordination with the Procurement Management Office headed by Mr. Wilkester Pujanes
Retrieval Committee: Led by Mr. Elibert Singson, Director for Administrative Services
Technical Committee: Led by Director Danver Reyes of the Management Information System and Mr. Dennis Gambuta, Data Privacy Officer
First Aid Responders: Dr. Caren Navata-Jose, University Physician, and Director Alvaro Dioquino, Jr., RN
Program Flow and Highlights
The program formally commenced at 8:00 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Dean Vivian Asacta. Ms. Czarina Mengote-Banayo then presented the participants per college and unit. Dr. Randall B. Pasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of the INSET in jumpstarting the Second Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 and reinforcing collective commitment to institutional goals.
An energizing zumba activity, facilitated by faculty members of the Institute of Human Kinetics, followed to promote wellness and camaraderie. Three participants were recognized with tokens as Best Zumba Dancers. Director Lorena Bautista subsequently presented the directions and house rules of the training.
Special song numbers were rendered by Ms. Denise Alison Catubay and Ms. Vleine Kyla Taguic, faculty members of the PLSP Integrated School, adding reflective and inspirational moments to the program.
Keynote and Plenary Sessions
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Preciosa D. Villacruel, Interim University President, who highlighted the importance of development and renewal of camaraderie, the promotion of safe spaces to build trust and mutual respect, and the evaluation of digital environments and their impact on genuine engagement and relationships in the workplace. She emphasized that learning, connection, renewal, and a renewed sense of purpose were the expected outcomes of the training.
Plenary Session I featured Dr. Ruby Brion, Director of the Gender and Development Unit of Laguna State Polytechnic University, who discussed “Accountability in Action: Navigating Gender-Based Sexual Harassment Cases under RACSS 2025.” She shared legal insights and practical experiences as Chair of the Committee on Discipline and Investigation. The session was moderated by Dr. Kurt Cyrus John Cabral, Secretariat of the PLSP Committee on Discipline and Investigation.
Plenary Session II was delivered by Assistant Professor IV Joanna De Torres of the College of Computing Studies, Laguna State Polytechnic University, focusing on digital efficiency and responsible engagement in academic and administrative contexts. The session included an interactive question-and-answer portion moderated by Mr. Carlo Vallies, Program Chair of BSED.
The afternoon session opened with a pep talk by Dr. Marc Lester F. Quintana, Vice President for Research and Extension, who emphasized Intellectual Humility as a vital value in public service and institutional growth, particularly among PLSP personnel.
Plenary Session III was delivered by Atty. Joseph Marnic De Mesa, City Administrator of San Pablo City, who discussed Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He highlighted the eight norms of conduct for public servants, reinforcing ethical accountability, professionalism, and public trust.
Administrative and Wellness Activities
Subsequent sessions focused on PLSP Administrative Office Management for teaching and non-teaching personnel. Ms. Annabel Escolano, Director of Finance Services, discussed administrative and financial processes, while Ms. Czarina Mengote-Banayo, Head of HRMU, addressed human resource policies and personnel concerns.
The latter part of the program featured Spiritual and Wellness Activities facilitated by The Feast San Pablo, followed by Fun Activities themed “Building Healthy Relationships and Team Spirit,” facilitated by the Institute of Human Kinetics, fostering unity and positive interpersonal engagement.
Closing and Conclusion
The INSET formally concluded with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Sigfredo C. Adajar, College Administrator, who expressed appreciation to the Executive Committee, organizers, speakers, and participants. He reiterated the importance of ethical service, collaboration, and continuous improvement as the University moves forward.
Overall, the 2026 INSET successfully reinforced PLSP’s commitment to cultivating a safe, ethical, inclusive, and digitally efficient workplace, strengthening both institutional capacity and shared purpose among its academic community.
Narrative: Presidential Media Affairs Office
Photos: Mr. Wilkester Pujanes