Omega Lapitan

• Provides high-level technical and administrative support to Area HSE Management within the Asia Pacific Region by assisting in the coordination of the injury management process, including the administration of cases of rehabilitation and return to work, developing and updating the HSE documentation, such as policies, procedures, plans, forms, and templates, and supporting the incident management and investigation process within the Asia Pacific Region.
• Collaborated with project teams for effective integration of HSE practices during project planning and execution stages.
• Investigated incidents thoroughly, identifying root causes and recommending appropriate preventive measures to prevent recurrence.
• Monitored occupational health initiatives including medical surveillance programs ensuring worker wellbeing.
• Maintained accurate records of safety data, facilitating trend analysis for continuous improvement initiatives in the HSE domain.
• Conducted regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Enhanced HSE compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs and procedures.
• Improved employee safety awareness by conducting regular training sessions and workshops.
• Updated company policies in line with changing industry guidelines or legislation changes pertaining to HSE matters.
• Fostered a culture of safety within the organization by regularly communicating expectations and promoting open dialogue on workplace concerns among employees at all levels.
• Supported management in achieving key performance indicators related to Health Safety and Environment resulting in overall business sustainability and growth.
• Developed emergency response plans, effectively preparing team members for potential crisis situations.

Provided high-level administrative support to project and strategic management teams, with responsibilities spanning logistics, finance, procurement, contracts, grants, and compliance. Supported multiple projects across Asia and the Pacific under start-up, implementation, and close-out phases. Managed mobilization of international advisers, processed funding requests and invoices, ensured compliance with mandatory training, and supported client-authorized and internal audits. Coordinated cross-functional teams, implemented process improvements, and delivered training programs to enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

Projects supported:

• BEAM ARMM (Philippines) - DFAT (AUD 32 Million)
• Classroom Construction Initiative (Philippines) - DFAT (AUD 13 Million
• Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) (Philippines) - DFAT (AUD 60 Million)
• ERLIP, NCDDP, Center for Governance (DFID)
• Various designs in the Pacific region

Managed provincial facility operations for the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) in Misamis Oriental, covering logistics, finance, procurement, contracts, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement. Contributed to process improvements that streamlined workflows, coordinated cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues, and delivered training programs that enhanced staff development and operational efficiency.

The Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) was a AUD 127 million program funded by Australian Aid (AusAID) to strengthen the capacity of Philippine provincial governments in managing and maintaining local road networks. By improving planning, budgeting, and procurement systems, PRMF aimed to increase provincial investment in road maintenance, enhance service delivery to the poor, and support inclusive economic growth.

Oversaw program quality for a development organization in North Mindanao, area development programs. Responsibilities included reviewing reports, monitoring and evaluation, program registration, negotiating targets, and assessing graduation criteria. Developed comprehensive reports on quality metrics and trends, providing actionable recommendations for management review.

Provided support during the preparation and packaging of the Program Design Document for the Northern Mindanao area operations.

Managed day-to-day activities within the Social Work Department, trained the curriculum revision of the course, provided technical and academic support to the Dean of Arts and Sciences College, represented the department at university forums and assemblies, as well as to the National Association of Social Workers and the Philippine Association of Social Workers.

Conducted formation workshops for potential volunteers and students, initiated a mobile school program for street and working children, and led campus-based advocacy activities involving volunteers. Organized events and training sessions to enhance participant engagement and learning within the program framework.

Under the guidance of VSO UK, conducted training and needs assessments for house parents, in-house social workers, and teachers, focusing on child handling and case management processes. Reviewed and recommended policies for annual child intake and family reunification. Provided empathetic support to clients and families, conducted home visits to assess dynamics, and offered guidance on communication and conflict resolution. Maintained accurate case documentation in compliance with regulatory standards, developed tailored intervention plans, and collaborated with schools to address students’ social-emotional needs. Facilitated support groups and promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among staff, contributing to a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

Provided administrative and logistical support to 14 municipal teams under the Philippines-Australia Local Sustainability Program (PALS), contributing to improved team productivity through training and documentation. Acted as a key contact for escalated concerns, applying strong problem-solving and communication skills. Additionally, optimized workflows to enhance overall program efficiency.

The Philippines-Australia Local Sustainability (PALS) Program was funded by an Australian grant of A$31.4 million and implemented in Misamis Occidental. The program piloted an integrated, community-based development approach. It supported participatory planning and resource management to improve rural livelihoods through agricultural initiatives, small-scale infrastructure, and capacity-building for local governments. PALS expanded to cover the entire province, fostering sustainable partnerships between communities and LGUs.

Roles:

• VGF Implementer (Feb-July 2002)
• VGF Technical Assistant (Aug 2002 - June 2003)
• Regional M&E Officer for Kalahi CIDSS (July 2003 - June 2004)

Key programs:

• The KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) program, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), initially a USD 100 million World Bank funded project designed to empower communities through participatory, community-driven development, enabling them to identify, plan, and implement projects that address local poverty issues.
• The Vulnerable Groups Facility (VGF) was established with a funding commitment of A$19 million over three years to expand access to basic social services for vulnerable populations in the Philippines. Its aim was to support well-targeted government programs facing budget constraints, particularly those delivering essential services to the poor. The VGF was a key component of AusAID’s Philippines Country Strategy Program for the period 1998/99–2002/03, developed in response to the adverse effects of structural adjustment, the Asian financial crisis, and El Niño/La Niña weather patterns.