On 24-25 July 2017, the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP, Inc.) in partnership with the Ateneo de Naga University, an active member of ASPAP, Inc. in Region V and the host institution for this year conducted the ASPAP Regional Conference with the theme “Empowering Stakeholders for Sustainable Development” at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City.

The Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) President, Rev. Fr. Primitivo E. Viray, Jr., S.J. warmly  welcomed to the participants, speakers and guests coming from the different sectors, namely: Academe, Business, Youth, Civil Society Organizations; and Local Government Units.

After which, Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, Director of the Center for Local Governance; Program Director of the Graduate School Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Administration Cluster; and the Public Relations Officer of the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc., presented the Intent of the Activity and acknowledged the participants.

The activity aimed to: (1) Present and discuss the different roles of the stakeholders in attaining sustainable growth and development in the country; (2) Impart the innovative practices awarded by the Galing Pook and Department of the Interior and Local Government-Seal of Good Local Governance for possible replication; and (3) Exhibit/ showcase Bicol’s pride relative to sustainable development.

Specifically, it featured the Role of the Different Sectors in Sustainable Development, Frameworks of Awards and Exemplars on Good Governance for Sustainable Development.

Day 1:

Session 1: Role of the Different Sectors in Sustainable Development

During this session, the Moderator Dr. Sanjay P. Claudio, Dean, College of Public Administration and Political Science of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and the Vice-President for the National Capital Region of the ASPAP, Inc. briefly introduced each speaker. Then he called one after the other to present and discuss the following:

1. Role of the Academe and ASPAP by Dr. Edwin S. Martin, President of the ASPAP, Inc.;
2. Role of the Business Sector with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry video by Ms. Clarine P. Tobias, Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Bicol;
3. Role of the Youth Sector by Commissioner Percival V. Cendaña, Luzon Commissioner of the National Youth Commission;
4. Role of the Civil Society Organizations by Mr. Antonio P. Meloto, Founder of the Gawad Kalinga and Ms. Ma. Macelim B. Geloso, Social Entrepreneur and co-founder of the FriendChips;
5. Role of the Private Sector by Prof. Eleazar P. Ricote, Deputy Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines; and
6. Role of the National Government by Under Secretary Adoracion M. Navarro, Regional Development Office of the National Economic and Development Authority.

After all the presentations the moderator facilitated the open forum.

Before the afternoon session of the Day 1 started, a video message coming from the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines was played.

Session 2: Framework of the Award(s)

The Moderator Mr. Wilfredo B. Prilles, Jr., City Planning and Development Officer and Graduate School Faculty, AdNU briefly introduced the two (2) speakers namely:

Dr. Maria Fe V. Mendoza, Dean, UP-NCPAG and Secretary-General, ASPAP, Inc. and Mr. Olivio D. Ramirez, Division Chief, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 5.

Dr. Mendoza, a member of the Galing Pook General Assembly comprehensively presented and discussed the Framework of the Award of the Galing Pook, while Mr. Ramirez expounded the DILG Seal of Good Local Governance. The presentation was followed by an open forum.

Session 3A: Exemplars on Good Governance for Sustainable Development

Mr. Federico Jose T. Lagdameo, Graduate School Faculty and Former Chairperson, Philosophy Department of the AdNU as the moderator introduced Hon. John G. Bongat, Mayor of Naga City to present Naga City as the (Most Awarded City). The presentation of Hon. Bongat was followed by the open forum.

After the last session for Day 1, brief library tour was organized for the participants.

Cultural Night

A cultural night in coordination with the Center for Culture and Arts of the Ateneo de Naga University was prepared for the conference participants, speakers and guests. It was held at the University Gymnasium from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening.

Before the after dinner show Dr. Michael A. Cuesta, Dean of the Graduate School of the Ateneo de Naga University delivered a short message.

The Presentation of the Bikolano Culture are as follows: Folk Dance ‘Suanoy na Bayle-Ariuana’ by the Ateneo de Naga University Dance Troupe; followed by the Singing ‘Musika 1’ by the Ateneo de Naga University Choir; then the Poetry Reading ‘Pagbasa ni Rawitdawit’ by Mr. Kristian S. Cordero of the Ateneo de Naga University Press and Ms. Delia E. Volante, retired faculty of the College of Education of AdNU.

The 2^nd part was the Folk Dance ‘Suanoy na Bayle-Balse’ by the Ateneo de Naga University Dance Troupe; followed by the Singing ‘Musika 2’ by the Ateneo de Naga University Choir; and the concluding presentation of the ‘Modernong Bayle’ by the Ateneo de Naga University Dance Club.

The master of ceremonies was Mr. Francisco Rico U. Raquitico, Graduate School Faculty of the Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU).

Day 2:

The Session started through the opening prayer led by Dr. Bella Grace Barrera of the University of the Philippines-Visayas and Board Member of the ASPAP, Inc. It was followed by the Recapitulation of Day 1 by Dr. Jennifer C. San Jose of the Graduate School Faculty, AdNU.

Session 3B: Exemplars on Good Governance for Sustainable Development

This session aimed to focus on the Department of the Interior and Local Government: Seal of Good Local Governance (DILG: SGLG) Region V Local Government Units (LGUs) awardees. The DILG: SGLG symbolizes integrity and good performance through continuing governance reform and sustained local development. A progressive assessment system of the Department to give distinction to remarkable performance across several areas.

The session was divided into three categories, namely:  Provincial, City and Municipal levels.

The Moderator Dr. Blandino M. Maceda of the Graduate School Faculty, AdNU and Former Regional Director, DILG RO5, introduced the 6 speakers for the session and called one after the other to present the awarded LGUs as follows:

1. Province of Camarines Norte by Ms. Ma. Elena C. Austria Provincial Planning and Development Officer
2. Legazpi City by Hon. Noel S. Rosal Mayor
3. Masbate City by Ms. Evelyn C. Somera City Social Welfare and Development Officer
4. Sorsogon City by Engr. Orlando F. Huenda City Planning Officer
5. Tigaon, Camarines Sur by Hon. Pamela Rinah B. Fuentebella Mayor
6. Mobo, Masbate by Hon. Susan Castillo Mayor

Closing Ceremonies

Mr. Wilfredo B. Prilles, Jr., summarized the ASPAP Regional Conference. After which, Dr. Ma. Filipinas H. Bana, the Master of Ceremonies cited the acknowledgement of the ASPAP Regional Conference.

Thereafter, the ASPAP, Inc. President, Dr. Martin imparted his message and appreciation to the support of the ASPAP Members Schools, thus encouraging them to be more proactive to the Association’s undertakings. He likewise acknowledged the participants’ interests in the event. He sincerely expressed his gratitude to the Ateneo de Naga University’s warm hospitality as the host of the event.

To close the conference, Dr. Alfredo C. Fabay the Vice President for Higher Education of the Ateneo de Naga University delivered his inspiring message.

The ASPAP Regional Conference was attended by the ASPAP Board Members; ASPAP Member Schools in Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao, Non-ASPAP Schools-Higher Education Institutions , Local Government Units, Bicol Regional Development Council Members, and Local Governance Training and Research Institutions-Philippine Network member.

It served as venue to discuss among Public Administration/Governance (PA/G) faculty, researchers and scholars from ASPAP schools all over the country the relevant topics that currently characterize Philippine PA/G with focus on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.

The ASPAP Cluster Meeting and the ASPAP, Inc. Board Meeting as well as the brief City Tour for the participants were also held after the Conference.

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By: Benita Michele C. Verdadero