PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College equipped selected employees with knowledge and practical insights for their transition from government service through a Pre-Retirement Seminar held on August 13, 2026, at the GAD Conference Hall.
Organized to help employees prepare for the next chapter of their lives, the whole-day seminar covered retirement policies, benefits, financial planning, and personal wellness.
Serving as resource speakers were Ruby A. Española, Civil Service Commission (CSC) XI Field Office representative, Grace Joy S. Sibugon, GSIS Frontline Services Division Chief, and Edna J. Quilario, MPA, former Human Resource Department head of the Local Government Unit of Tagum.
In her opening message, College President Joy M. Sorrosa stated DNSC’s commitment to supporting its employees beyond their years of active service, “But because DNSC cares, we want you to be prepared and ready as you transition to another chapter. And we want everyone to really enjoy the next chapter while staying healthy, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.”
Dr. Sorrosa also encouraged participants to establish routines that would keep them active and engaged after retirement, reminding them that they deserve to enjoy the opportunities that come with this new phase of life.
Beyond the technical requirements of retirement, CSC’s Española reminded participants to look back on the deeper impact of their years in public service, “Do not just remember the many years that you have dedicated to public service, also remember that throughout those years, pila kaha ang inyong natouched nga mga kinabuhi? Because these are the legacies that we can leave behind through public service.”
Closing the seminar, Raquel J. Edjec, Director for Human Resource Management Division, recognized the years of dedication and service rendered by the participants, “You have spent decades dedicating yourselves to your careers, building skills, serving others, and helping strengthen your organizations. And now, perhaps, it is time to invest that same energy in your own dreams, your health, and your loved ones.”
Dir. Edjec further emphasized that the financial strategies, lifestyle adjustments, and health insights shared during the seminar are tools for preparing for retirement with confidence and purpose.
