MMDC Underscores the Importance of Upskilling, Digitalization in First-Ever HR Summit in Negros Occidental

Bacolod City – The local business landscape is drastically changing due to unprecedented challenges and tech advancements. As businesses in Negros Occidental navigate evolving workforce demands brought by technology, there is an urgent need for strategic upskilling and digital transformation. Among the key challenges of organizations are infrastructure limitations, talent acquisition, employee retention as well as market saturation, and HR (Human Resources) professionals are facing increasing pressure to streamline processes and enhance workplace efficiency.

Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) held its first-ever HR Summit in Negros Occidental on Thursday, Feb. 27, titled Transforming the Future of Negros through Technology, Innovation, and Upskilling, in partnership with the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI). The event brought together human resource leaders, business owners, local government unit (LGU) representatives, and government agencies to discuss strategies for workforce efficiency, upskilling, business growth in today’s competitive market, and preparing employees for modern business challenges through digitalization.

“The HR Summit enables us to help equip businesses in Negros Occidental with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate the modern workplace. Through raising discussions on technology, innovation and upskilling, we aim to empower HR leaders and professionals to drive efficiency and long-term success in their organizations,” said Jenny Chua, Vice President for Marketing, MMDC.

Recognizing the rapid pace of technological advancements, MMDC emphasized the role of IT and business education in equipping both students and professionals with digital skills essential for today’s workplace. The institution has collaborated with local businesses to align its programs with industry needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready and prepared to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

The summit featured panel discussions and expert talks on the realities of digitalization in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, the impact and positive results brought about by upskilling and technology adoption, and strategies for equipping employees with essential tech skills.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. In the first session, Realities and Possibilities in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, MMDC invited experts from MBCCI to shine a light on the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization, emphasizing the importance of proper implementation.

“In Negros Occidental, we have to embrace digitalization. There’s nowhere to go but digitalization. We have to teach them to move from manual to computer to digital. It is our academe who can move our province in digitalization to upskill our people and our businesses,” said Frank Carbon, Vice President, MBCCI.

Willard Gallo, Director of MBCCI, gave prominence to the importance of Human Resources in business.

“To create a successful industry, we should be able to use our physical resources by balancing it with our Human Resources — our competencies and capabilities. Human Resource is the basic foundation of every business. That’s why it’s important to discuss upskilling,” said Gallo.

The next talk, Real Results: The Transformative Power of Upskilling and Technology, led by technology, strategy, and transformation expert Klems Ramos, highlighted real-world success stories of businesses that have streamlined operations and bridged skill gaps through embracing technology and upskilling.

The final session, Unlocking Potential: How to Upskill Your Employees in Technology, led by HR executive Andree Kintanar of ACEN Corp. (formerly AC Energy), discussed practical approaches to empowering employees with technology-driven skill sets, boosting their productivity and driving innovation.

“Innovation and continuous learning are becoming the new ordinary. Technology is all about people — how work gets done. It empowers people and amplifies human capabilities. Technology won’t replace people, but people who use technology will replace people who don’t,” said Andree Kintanar, HR Executive, ACEN.

In addition to these discussions, the summit also included a workshop on AI for Everyday HR Work, conducted by MMDC. The workshop allowed participants to explore AI-powered tools for optimizing HR tasks. The topics included AI-driven interview assistants, researching with Perplexity and drafting professional statements with ChatGPT.

“Digital transformation is reshaping governance and public service. From manual processes to electronic services, technology enables us to serve our communities better, save lives, and empower citizens through digital payments and seamless transactions. Negros Occidental has the potential to be a center for innovation, but at its core, our people remain our greatest asset—let’s continue serving with passion and purpose,” said Atty. Jessa Genteroles, Office of the Governor, Negros Occidental.

MMDC positions itself as a key driver of workforce empowerment in Negros Occidental, advocating for upskilling the Negrense workforce and digital transformation of businesses to help bolster the global competitiveness of the local industry landscape. Through this summit, the institution seeks to reinforce its role in preparing professionals and businesses for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

MMDC offers fully online courses and microcredentials that provide flexible, affordable learning, empowering learners to acquire in-demand skills and advance their careers through a modern and practical education.

For more information on MMDC’s program offerings, visit.*