Creating a positive and inclusive academic environment is vital for fostering collaboration, innovation, and the overall well-being of students, faculty, and staff. To address the challenges encountered inside the work or academic environment, the 每日大赛网址首页进入 (CvSU) – Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) team lead by Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rundina- Dela Cruz, successfully conducted the webinar 鈥淏uilding a Positive Climate through Psychological Safety and Diversity,鈥� held on August 14, 2025 via Zoom Conferencing and Facebook livestream.
The webinar aims to emphasize the importance of psychological safety and inclusive practices in creating a positive learning and working environment while promoting behaviors that uphold Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to foster a strong sense of belonging within the institution. It also seeks to equip participants with practical strategies to build trust, empathy, and open dialogue among students, faculty, and staff. Furthermore, the activity encourages the co-creation of actionable steps to integrate psychological safety and DEl principles into daily interactions and institutional culture. In alignment with legal mandates, it also promotes adherence to Republic Act 6713 by cultivating ethical conduct, accountability, and respect for the rights and dignity of every individual within the university.
Ms. Abigail S. Cruz, Director of the Human Resource Development Office, formally opened the program by highlighting the significance of creating a conducive and safe environment inside the workplace. She also mentioned that an organization built with psychological safety creates innovative solutions, collaborations, and continuous improvement and trust, but psychological safety could be more meaningful if we also embrace the diversity in all its forms. Everyone will encourage vulnerability and build resilience teams that thrives openness and respect if we value inclusion and a sense of safety. She strongly emphasized that we must uphold the integrity, professionalism, and respect for human dignity in the name of public service.
The webinar proper commenced with the first topic titled 鈥淧sychological Safety鈥� delivered by Ms. Gabby Llamzon, Learning and Development Associate from Positive Workplaces. This was followed by the discussion on 鈥淒iversity in the Institution鈥� by Ms. Rosina Jose, Business Development Officer, also from Positive Workplaces. These two themes were closely interconnected, both emphasizing the importance of cultivating inclusive and supportive environments within organizations.
To start the session, the speakers facilitated a simple yet thoughtful check-in activity, allowing participants to acknowledge and share the various emotions they were experiencing that day. This initial exercise helped set a safe and empathetic tone for the rest of the webinar.
Throughout the session, a range of interactive activities were introduced using various digital tools that allowed participants to engage actively with the topics. Notably, the levelling sessions encouraged open dialogue between participants and the speakers, enabling them to express insights and perspectives while learning practical ways to foster psychological safety in their own institutions.
For the third topic 鈥淩epublic Act No. 6713: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,鈥� Atty. Nielraz D. Lirazan, Attorney VI from the Legal Services Division of the Civil Service Commission 鈥� Regional Office IV, began his presentation with an overview of the key principles and objectives of RA 6713, a law that outlines the norms of conduct and ethical standards expected from all individuals in government service.
He emphasized that public office is a public trust, and that all government officials and employees are duty-bound to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism in the performance of their duties. According to Atty. Lirazan, every government decision and action must be guided by a commitment to promote the general welfare of the public, but always within the legal and ethical boundaries established by the law.
Moreover, he highlighted the eight norms of conduct enshrined in the Act鈥攃ommitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living鈥攕tressing that these serve as a moral compass for public servants in the execution of their responsibilities.
Through his insightful discussion, Atty. Lirazan effectively underscored the importance of ethical governance in building public trust and ensuring that government service remains transparent, accountable, and genuinely responsive to the needs of the people.
To formally conclude the program, Prof. Betsy Rose S. Fidel, the GAD Coordinator from the College of Economics, Management, and Development Studies, expressed her sincere appreciation to all the participants for their active involvement and enthusiastic participation throughout the session. Prof. Fidel acknowledged the valuable insights shared by the esteemed resource speaker, whose expertise significantly contributed to the success of the event. In her message, she emphasized the vital role of creating and sustaining a positive workplace environment鈥攐ne that promotes respect, inclusivity, and mutual support among colleagues. She noted that such an environment not only enhances productivity but also contributes to the overall well-being and satisfaction of employees. Prof. Fidel concluded by encouraging everyone to apply the knowledge gained during the session in their respective institutions and to continue supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and professional growth. (by Lynnette M. Tecson)
