Non-teaching personnel and faculty members of the MMSU were trained on how to further improve their morale, develop healthy and well-rounded personality, and establish effective team relationships which can project a better image of the university.

This training on Personality Development, Gender Mainstreaming cum Team Building was organized by the University Manpower and Development Office (UMDP), in coordination with the MMSU Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), and Extension Directorate.

The trainings for the first batch of non-teaching staff and faculty members  were held at the Metro Vigan Garden Hotel in Bantay, Ilocos Sur on September 19-20 and 26-27, respectively. Schedules of the same are set on October 3-4 for CHS and COM faculty, October 11 for the second batch of non-teaching staff; October 24-25 for CTE faculty; and November 7-8 for faculty from CAS and CASAT.

Dr. Saturnina Nisperos, UMDP chief, said that the training also aims to help increase employees' loyalty and active engagement to the university; reduce gender gaps among men and women in order to strengthen the value of teamwork; and eliminate gender discrimination and inequality in the workplace.

"Employees are instrumental in helping an institution realize its goals, that is why they need to be trained on personality development, gender sensitivity, and team building which can make them feel a sense of shared purpose that inspires them to work," Dr. Nisperos said.

She also explained that the training was held outside the university "so that our employees would become free from their work schedules and be more focused on the training activities."

The training included team-building activities and lectures on knowing and exploring oneself in depth, gender sensitivity in the workplace, enjoying a balanced life, personal grooming, stress management, managing conflicts, and effective written communication.