By Mikee Natinga Norico
Attendees pose with resource speaker Assoc. Prof. Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog, marking the successful conclusion of a day filled with engaging discussions and practical learning on effective workplace communication.
Central Philippine University (CPU), through its Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), conducted a seminar-workshop titled “Communicate with Impact: Strengthening Written and Verbal Interpersonal Skills” in collaboration with the Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center (RCECC) at the Conference Room of the Henry Luce Library. The activity was attended by personnel from various CPU units as part of the University’s continuing efforts to enhance professional competence in the workplace.
The program formally began with registration, followed by a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. Dr. Darryl F. Pamocol, Acting Director of the HRDO, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in fostering collaboration, leadership, and productivity within the University community.
Pastor Alfred C. Morales of the Student Development and Programs introduced the resource speaker, Assoc. Prof. Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications and a master’s degree in Education, major in English as a Second Language, from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV). She has extensive experience in television and print media, having worked at GMA TV-6 Iloilo as reporter, news anchor, news director, and program manager, and contributed as a columnist for Panay News and The News Today. In the academe, she has held leadership roles at Alphacrest Academy, served as a lecturer at the University of San Agustin, and is currently Director of the Information and Publications Office at UPV. She also continues as a news anchor for One Western Visayas and is recognized as a trainer, motivational speaker, and advocate for mental health.
From L to R: Assoc. Prof. Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog receives her certificate of appreciation from Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director of the Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC), after sharing valuable insights on effective workplace communication and demonstrating key principles of business writing, guiding attendees through practical strategies to enhance clarity, professionalism, and impact in their day-to-day office interactions.
In her morning lecture on Effective Communication in the Workplace, Assoc. Prof. Mabilog provided participants with an in-depth understanding of what constitutes effective communication and its critical role in organizational success. She discussed key indicators of effective communication, including clarity, active listening, empathy, and appropriate feedback, while highlighting how strong communication skills directly support leadership effectiveness. Participants were guided through common barriers to communication in the workplace, such as misunderstandings, assumptions, and ineffective messaging, and were introduced to practical strategies for establishing meaningful connections with colleagues. She also shared insights on what makes people genuinely listen and respond, emphasizing the importance of building trust and rapport. The session further explored the challenges of finding and cultivating common ground in professional interactions, pointing out frequent mistakes that prevent mutual understanding and offering tips to overcome them.
The afternoon session focused on Effective Business Writing, where Assoc. Prof. Mabilog equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills for producing professional written communications. She introduced the fundamentals of business writing, including structure, tone, and style, and outlined the basic formats of business messages such as memos, emails, and reports. Emphasis was placed on the core principles of effective writing—clarity, conciseness, accuracy, and professionalism—ensuring that participants learned how to convey their ideas clearly and persuasively. Through examples and practical exercises, attendees gained valuable tools to enhance both internal and external communication in their respective offices, strengthening their overall professional competence.
The seminar-workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director of the Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC), who encouraged participants to apply the insights gained from the sessions in their offices to improve workplace communication and service delivery.
Through initiatives such as this seminar-workshop, CPU continues to invest in the professional development of its personnel, strengthening institutional effectiveness through impactful communication.