MANILA, Philippines - Over a thousand Filipino public and private human resource experts gathered in Cebu City for the HR Symposium 2014 with the theme “Gearing Towards ASEAN Integration through Strategic HR,†a joint undertaking of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Australian government through the Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF).
The symposium highlighted the importance of strategic human resource development in the upcoming economic integration of ASEAN member states.
“Economic advancement relies on human resources. Unless people have equal access to education, training and capacity building, the Philippines may be deprived of a large pool of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs,†said CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III.
Australia’s flagship human resource management program, the P1.2-billion (A$31.5 million) PAHRODF, has been partnering with Philippine government agencies to improve their processes, structures, skills set and behavior to enable positive change and continuous improvement.
Australia also sends up to 120 Filipinos annually on post-graduate degree programs to Australian academic institutions through the Australia Awards Scholarships.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said, “Australia is a long-time supporter of ASEAN’s efforts to achieve regional economic integration. In fact, Australia became the first Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1974. This partnership has developed over the years and has deepened relations in all fields, including political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation. A highly skilled and competent workforce is crucial in realizing the initiatives for ASEAN connectivity.â€