Taguig City, Philippines – The Philippine HR Institute (PHRI)™ recently wrapped up the second cohort of its highly impactful Foundation Certificate in Human Resource Management (FCHRM)™ program in June 2025. This successful conclusion underscores PHRI’s unwavering commitment to empowering aspiring and transitioning HR professionals across the nation with high-caliber development opportunities.
Spread across four consecutive Saturdays – June 7, 14, 21, and 28 – the program offered a deep dive into crucial human resource disciplines. Participants embarked on a comprehensive learning journey, exploring everything from the foundational principles of Human Resource Management (HRM) and Strategic HRM, to specialized areas like Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Performance Management, Total Rewards, and the intricacies of Philippine Labor Law and Compliance.
FCHRM™ Cohort 2 welcomed a vibrant mix of professionals, all eager to either formalize their existing HR competencies or make a smooth transition into the HR field. The interactive sessions were designed to emphasize the practical application of HR concepts, specifically within the unique context of Philippine business environments and our country’s compliance frameworks.
What made this cohort particularly notable was its impressive diversity. Participants hailed not only from the private sector but also from various public institutions. We were especially pleased to host three dedicated professionals from Local Government Units (LGUs) – representing San Miguel, Bulacan; Lopez, Quezon; and Davao de Oro. Their presence highlights the growing recognition of strategic HRM’s vital role in public service and local governance, and their contributions significantly enriched discussions with invaluable public sector insights on HR implementation and compliance.
The program kicked off with an interactive session led by Mr. Joven Reyla, a seasoned HR and organizational development expert boasting over a decade of cross-sector experience. He laid a solid groundwork in HR principles, coupled with strategic insights into talent acquisition and workforce planning. Drawing from his extensive background in both corporate and academic spheres – including leadership roles at St. Luke’s Medical Center and Good Fortune Builders and Construction, Inc. – he masterfully illustrated how thoughtful talent strategies are the bedrock of organizational success. His session also highlighted the exciting evolution from traditional HR practices to more agile, data-driven approaches in recruitment and strategic planning.
Next up, the second and third sessions, covering Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Performance Management, and Total Rewards, were dynamically facilitated by Mr. Edrian Clemente. As an experienced corporate trainer and training manager, Mr. Clemente, who currently holds a leadership position at one of the country’s largest appliance dealers and serves as a senior trainer at Arete Leadership Consultancy, infused energy and depth into every discussion. His rich corporate training background, spanning industries like retail, pharmaceuticals, aviation, and construction, provided participants with a practical, real-world examples, helping them seamlessly translate theory into actionable strategies.
The program culminated with a crucial discussion on Philippine Labor Law and Compliance, expertly delivered by Atty. Eleazar “Ely” Ypilan. A certified Data Protection Officer and HR legal consultant, Atty. Ypilan brought much-needed clarity to complex regulatory issues. He passionately emphasized the critical importance of ethical HR decision-making within legal boundaries, exploring the delicate balance between enforcing compliance and practicing empathy in HR. His vast industry experience equipped participants with invaluable tools for navigating nuanced employee relations scenarios, particularly those involving contractual and disciplinary contexts.
Looking ahead, PHRI is thrilled to announce that FCHRM™ Cohort 3 is slated to run on July 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2025, followed by Cohort 4 on September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2025.
We warmly encourage interested professionals to visit the PHRI™ website and explore the Certificate Courses section for comprehensive details and registration information. Graduates of the FCHRM™ program will also gain eligibility to pursue further HR credentials, including the prestigious Certified Human Resource Associate (CHRA)™ under Category F.
Through impactful initiatives like the FCHRM™, PHRI™ remains dedicated to shaping the future of Philippine HR, empowering professionals with the essential tools, forward-thinking mindset, and vital networks needed to truly thrive in today’s dynamic, people-centered roles.