The Saint Mary’s University-Philippine Association of Students in Office Administration (SMU-PASOA) successfully conducted a webinar on “Digital Transformation in Office Administration: Trends and Tools” via Zoom and Facebook Live last November 7, 2024. The event interests a wide range of participants, including students, faculty, and industry professionals keen on understanding how digital advancements are reshaping the field of office administration.

Ten schools from Northern Luzon joined the webinar. These participating schools included Urdaneta City University, Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Guimba, Nueva Ecija; Kalinga State University, Tabuk City, Kalinga; Quirino State University, Diffun Quirino; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, San Fernando La Union; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan La Union; Cagayan Valley College of Information and Technology Corporation, Santiago City, Isabela; Mountain Province State University, Bontoc, Mountain Province; Raymund Louise Joseph O. Tiam Incorporated, Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya and the host school, Saint Mary’s University.

The webinar aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to the evolving digital landscape within office environments. Recognizing the impact of technology on organizational practices, this webinar focused on current trends and the tools critical to enhancing office efficiency, productivity, and adaptability.

Dr. Emmanuel James P. Pattaguan was the distinguished resource speaker. His presentation discussed the significance of digital transformation in modern office settings; he also highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and presented different collaborative tools like chatGPT, Gamma, etc., that streamline administrative processes and improve organizational performance. Emphasis was placed on the value of digital literacy and continuous upskilling to remain competitive in the industry.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Erlinda T. Españo, Office Administration Lecturer, encouraged students and educators to make the association the best organization in the Philippines and abroad through yearly attendance at the PASOA North Luzon and National Convention. She also thanked all the participants.

The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and fostered a sense of community among students and educators from different schools. This collaborative endeavor served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of technology and the importance of collective action in education. The webinar marked a significant step towards a more connected and innovative learning landscape, setting the stage for future collaborations, shared successes, and actionable knowledge to contribute to the office administration’s academic and professional development.

Written by: Mrs. Sheryl A. Baria, MBA