The University of San Agustin, Inc. and the USA Employees Union formally executed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement on January 22, 2026, concluding negotiations that began on May 8, 2025. The signing ceremony, witnessed by Atty. Chaneen Abolucion, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and representative from the Department of Labor and Employment, marks a significant milestone in the institution’s labor relations.
The agreement, effective until 2029, resulted from months of meaningful dialogue and mutual respect between both parties. The length of the negotiation reflected their shared commitment to careful review for fairness and dignity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility.
USA Employee Union President Asst. Prof. Teresita Silma B. Balgos described the CBA as a shared responsibility to upholding the dignity of work while advancing the university’s educational vision and mission. She emphasized the importance of progressive policies that will further encourage and sustain academic personnel’s active engagement in research and scholarly production, urging the administration to continue championing this vision.
University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, framed the agreement as recognition of past contributions and investment in future collaboration. “We view all staff as part of the university community regardless of their union affiliation,” he stated, positioning the CBA as a gesture of goodwill acknowledging employees’ vital role in fulfilling the institution’s mission.
In a notable demonstration of trust, Fr. Dizon approved the release of certain benefits, including salary adjustments for non-academic personnel and other bonuses, before the final signing—a move Ms. Balgos acknowledged as evidence of the administration’s good faith. She also recognized HRMO Director Atty. Ela Cristina T. Lopez for maintaining open communication throughout negotiations, highlighting how procedural transparency strengthened institutional relationships.
Fr. Dizon acknowledged broader challenges facing educational institutions today, calling upon the university community to prioritize collective benefit over individual interests. This unity, he emphasized, is essential for maintaining the university’s position in an evolving and challenging educational landscape.
The CBA 2024-2029 establishes a stable and collaborative framework that benefits both management and employees, enabling long-term planning and institutional development.
By promoting sustained engagement in teaching excellence, research productivity, and professional advancement without undermining the dignity of labor, the agreement advances objectives that are fundamental to the shared mission and values of the University of San Agustin and the USA Employees Union.
Representatives from the University of San Agustin, Inc. and the USA Employees Union during the CBA Signing Ceremony at the President’s Conference Room, University of San Agustin Campus
University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA and USA Employee Union President Asst. Prof. Teresita Silma B. Balgos sharing their message.
University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA and USA Employee Union President Asst. Prof. Teresita Silma B. Balgos sign the CBA
University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA and USA Employee Union President Asst. Prof. Teresita Silma B. Balgos sign the a CBA
USA Representatives, VP for Administration and Finance Rev. Fr. Airmark Asor, OSA and Rev. Fr. Jessie, Tabobo, OSA sign the CBA.
Photo documentation with the representatives of the USA Employee Union and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Atty. Chaneen Abolucion, a representative from the Department of Labor and Employment signs the CBA as witness.
Representatives from the USA Employee Union sign the CBA Agreement.
Representatives from the USA Employee Union sign the CBA Agreement.