A comprehensive two-day Orientation/Onboarding Training was held on March 7-8, 2024 at The Hotel Sophia in Cauayan City, Isabela, with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness and fortitude of newly hired employees in the Department of Agrarian Reform Region 02 (DARR02). The major goal of this effort was to provide participants with the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes required to navigate the problems inherent in their employment as government servants.

Out of a total of 43 participants, 22 came from DARPO-Isabela, nine from DARPO-Nueva Vizcaya, five from DARPO-Cagayan, four (4) from DARPO Quirino and three (3) from the Regional Office. The session commenced with Atty. Caridad Grace T. Turqueza, Chief of the Legal Division at DARPO Quirino, providing a comprehensive overview of the department’s Vision, Mission, and Mandates. She stressed the significance of core values and competencies expected of all DAR employees, citing the idea that “Public Service is a Public Trust.” Following this, Richard T. Francisco, Regional Information Officer, explained the organizational structure and functions of the Central, Regional, Provincial, and Municipal offices. He gave thorough insights into the key activities of each sector within the field offices. Djlyn L. Banan, Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (ARPO I) from the Personnel Unit, delivered an informative session on Employee Compensation and Benefits, covering key aspects such as Salary, Step Increment, Loyalty Pay, and elucidating regular contributions to Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) more popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth. She likewise provided insights into leave privileges, including earned leaves and monetization options.

On the second day, Valnizan Hannibal C. Calubaquib, Acting Director II of the Civil Service Commission R02, delved into the intricacies of Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. He underscored the eight norms serving as standards of personal conduct in the execution of official duties.

Meanwhile, Atty. Joana Baquiran, Senior Human Resource Specialist of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Isabela Field Office, covered Office Policies and Other Administrative Concerns, addressing issues such as Absenteeism, Tardiness, Undertime, Official Travel, Personal Data Sheet (PDS), Daily Time Record (DTR), Business, and Overtime.

She also detailed personnel mechanisms including Personal Data Sheet Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Individual Performance Commitment and Review/Individual Development Plan (IPCR/IDP), among others. Noemi M. Knowlden, Acting SuAO, provided an in-depth exploration of the Human Resource System, encompassing recruitment, selection and placement, learning and development, performance management, and rewards and recognition.

Armed with new information and a renewed perspective, the participants are expected to return to their respective assignments with the motivation to assist clients and stakeholders with enhanced quality, particularly the agrarian reform beneficiaries.