“Ang tagumpay ng anumang institusyon ay nakasalalay sa kung paano nag-uusap at nagtutulungan ang mga taong bumubuo rito. Sa pagpapatuloy ng ating adbokasiya para sa mas mahusay na serbisyo at mas matatag na samahan, muling nagtipon ang pamayanan para sa isang makabuluhang talakayan ukol sa pagpapabuti ng ating pakikipag-ugnayan at pakikipagkapwa-tao sa loob ng opisina.”
On August 27, 2026, the Jose, Justina, Dominga (JJD) Garcia Auditorium served as the venue for the fourth session of the institutional learning series, titled “Communication, Respect, and Teamwork.” Built around the central theme, “We work better when we communicate better,” the session brought everyone together to talk about organizational harmony, professional conduct, and teamwork. Guided by the leadership and insights of Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos, Vice President for Administration and Planning, the discussion offered practical and meaningful reflections on how good interpersonal skills help the institution grow and run smoothly.
Mangiduyos began by sharing a fresh perspective on communication. Rather than treating it as just a language skill or a way to speak, she highlighted that real communication is actually a thinking skill. True clarity happens before a person even says a word – it comes from organizing one’s thoughts, staying focused, and thinking things through. When someone processes information carefully before speaking, one’s message becomes clear, direct, and easy to understand. Thinking before speaking is key to providing excellent public and administrative service.
Building on this idea, Mangiduyos highlighted the three key pillars of a healthy workplace: communication, respect, and teamwork. Communication, according to her, clear communication alone is not enough without respect. The simple act of recognizing everyone’s dignity and valuing every role in the office, she further expounded. Additionally, Mangiduyos reminded everyone that no one works alone; every task, big or small, affects the work of others. When mutual respect, in her discussion, is present, working together as a team becomes natural, allowing the institution to achieve great results that no one could accomplish alone.
To build a better work environment, the session, in her discussion, is also pointing out common communication mistakes that often cause problems at work. Mangiduyos warned against making assumptions instead of asking direct questions, noting that misunderstandings usually happen when details are not clarified. She also pointed out the problem of passive listening – where people listen just to give a reply rather than to truly understand as well as holding back important updates or giving incomplete instructions. She added that dismissive language and avoiding responsibility break trust among colleagues.
To overcome these issues, the session presented practical ways to change how colleagues talk to one another at work. Mangiduyos illustrated how subtle shifts in language can transform office culture. For instance, replacing passive or dismissive phrases such as “That is not my job” with proactive responses like “Let me help identify the office that can best assist you” immediately establishes a culture of service and collaboration. Similarly, replacing confrontation; such as stating
“You are wrong” – with a collaborative approach like “Let us verify and check the details together” preserves professional harmony while ensuring work accuracy. Rather than closing doors with “I do not know,” adopting the mindset of “Let us find the answer together” reinforces teamwork and continuous learning.
Overall, the session reminded everyone that effective communication is not just a workplace requirement, but a daily habit that requires consistent effort. By building thoughtful communication, mutual respect, and active teamwork, institutions can turn daily interactions into powerful opportunities for professional growth and success.
“Sa huli, ang pagbabago sa ating institusyon ay hindi nagmumula sa malalaking polisiya lamang, kundi sa maliliit na gawi sa araw-araw sa kung paano tayo makipag-usap, magpakita ng respeto, at magtulungan sa opisina. Sa ating paglabas sa ikaapat na session at pagpapatuloy ng ating lakbayin patungo sa ikapitong Huwebes, ang ating patuloy na pakikiisa ay malinaw na patunay na sama-sama tayong nagtataguyod ng isang samahang may puso, malasakit, at kahusayan sa bawat hakbang,” capped Mangiduyos.
Article by Jhoanna D. Andres (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)
