Don't use team-building activities for drinking sprees, agencies warned

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday warned government officials and employees against using team-building activities this summer as cover for out-of-town drinking sprees.

Since most team-building activities are held in resorts, the Ombudsman urged the public to keep watch and report activities that do not contribute to staff development.

The Ombudsman also reminded government officials and employees about the rules and regulations governing the conduct of such team-building activities.

In the weekly program “Ombudsman Ngayon” at dzRB-Radyo ng Bayan yesterday, officials of the anti-graft agency discussed with the Civil Service Commission the issues surrounding the team-building activities of government offices usually held during the summer.

According to lawyer Christian Molina, team-building activities are part of government agencies’ human resource development program, the budget of which is provided under “training and scholarship” of their respective maintenance and other operating expenses.

He said these funds are regulated by the Department of Budget and Management while the actual expenses are audited by the Commission on Audit.

Molina said any office in a government agency can hold team-building activities but a human resource program should be designed to include objectives and the schedule of activities.

Molina added that the venue and food should be chosen in accordance with the law and there should also be documentation for vehicles used.