BAGUIO CITY – A series of lectures equips the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) employees with knowledge on financial planning, providing excellent customer service and advocating against illegal drugs in the workplace on March 22, at DA-New Conference Hall, Guisad Baguio City.
The activity was initiated by the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS) in celebration of the National Women’s Month 2024.
“Women’s Month isn’t just about women. It is also about acknowledging the strength of both sexes so that they can complement each other,” emphasized DA-Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan in her opening message. She recognized all women who are head of the office in the agency and further encouraged participants to broaden their understanding on gender and development to better address gender issues in the society.
Meanwhile the first lecture on proper customer service for government employees was discussed by Ms. Gloria Cadut of the Department of Industry-Cordillera (DTI-CAR). Accordingly, a customer service provider should have a positive attitude, should be business oriented, and customer focus. Managing one client at a time is also essential for government employees as it facilitates appropriate communication, which in turn leads to appropriately addressing a problem or concern.
“You should know the technicalities of your agency no matter what your designation is. That would help you be confident and competent in facing your clients,” stated Cadut.
Afterwards, Ms. Jennifer De Leon and Ms. Joanne Doctolero, Licensed Financial Advisors, discussed the procedures involved in creating a strong financial plan. They emphasized the need to separate savings from emergency funds. Savings are easily accessible funds that are put aside for a specific purpose, like buying a new car, or just for the sake of saving, while emergency funds are what you set aside for unforeseen expenses or financial emergencies.
Ms. Rosel G. Sarmiento, Public Information Officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-CAR), also gave an overview on implementing Anti-Illegal Drugs and Drug-Free Organization in government agencies.
She specified RA 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 mandating a random drug test that should be contained in a company’s work rules and regulations which shall be borne by the employer for purposes of reducing risk in the workplace. Employees who tested positive shall be required to undergo rehabilitation.
The lecture series enabled the participants to reintegrate appropriate values when interacting with stakeholders, track and manage their finances, as well as the protocols enforced for a drug-free workplace. By Chamanei Elias
