Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology hosted the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP) International Conference and General Assembly in collaboration with the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) from November 25 to 28, 2025.
With the theme, “BALIK TAN-AW: Public Administration Education and Practice in the Philippines—Bridging Peace, Development, and People”, the four-day event, spearheaded by the MSU-IIT Political Science Society (PSS), featured masterclass lectures, keynote messages, as well as plenary and parallel sessions on perspectives in public administration, enhancing quality higher education, decentralization, peace-building, and education development.
On behalf of Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan, Vice Chancellor Pamela Resurreccion opened the event by underscoring the importance of ethical and people-centered governance, noting that “public trust in institutions is being tested” and that their dialogue on responsible governance and leadership is “more urgent than ever.”
She reminded participants of their vital role in public service, saying that their presence reflects “dedication to service, collaboration, and lifelong learning.”
The first day was dedicated for Pahayag: A Masterclass Seminar Series on the latest methods and trends in Public Administration, Management, and Governance Education in the Philippines, one of the major events of the conference, led by UP-NCPAG professors.
In a message, UP-NCPAG Dean Dr. Kristoffer Berce highlighted Pahayag’s goal of revitalizing public administration discourse, saying, “We wanted to bring public administration back into public conversation,” and emphasized that learning becomes “more powerful when it is shared across regions, institutions, and communities.”
Dr. Berce also highlighted the need for stronger accountability and innovation in governance, urging the field to remain “agile, innovative, responsive, humane, and most of all, accountable” amid today’s challenges, noting that “public administration is a collective endeavor” and its progress depends on “our willingness to learn together.”
The Pahayag Masterclass lectures covered topics on local government administration, introduction to public administration, public personnel management, public enterprise management, and Philippine public fiscal administration.
The second day of the ASPAP conference continued to gather respected institutional leaders who set the tone for deeper reflection on governance, public service, and the future of public administration in the country.
Opening the session, Prof. Jack Isolana, JD, DPA, Conference Chairperson, welcomed delegates and highlighted the significance of bringing together scholars and practitioners committed to advancing public administration.
“It fills me with pride and gratitude to see such an inspiring gathering of minds—people committed to the advancement of public administration, good governance, and the service of our communities,” he said.
Dr. Isolana emphasized that everyone’s presence affirms their shared belief that public administration remains a vital bridge between knowledge and action, and between policy and people, expressing hope that the day’s exchanges would spark new ideas and strengthen efforts toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Building on this message, Dr. Michvelle Rivera, ASPAP President and Dean of the College of Public Administration and Governance at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), stressed the importance of reflection as he discussed the conference theme of Balik Tan-aw.
He reminded participants that looking back is not an exercise in nostalgia but a way to understand the evolution of the discipline, ensuring that lessons from the past guide the progress ahead.
Similarly echoing the call for integrity in governance, Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, President of Ateneo de Davao University, addressed the urgent challenge of massive and systemic corruption in the country.
He underscored the crucial role of higher education institutions in fostering values of honesty and accountability, strengthening systems that guard against wrongdoing, and upholding the dignity of public administration as a profession central to nation-building.
Back-to-back plenary sessions kicked off with discussions on education and development: progress and challenges, followed by sessions on decentralization, peace, and development.
One of the speakers, Atty. Marilyn Barua-Yap, DPA, Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, underscored the need for a competent, agile, and progressive civil service workforce, one supported by strategic and integrated institutional programs, structures, and systems. She noted that competence must not only help achieve organizational goals but also equip public servants to be adaptive and responsive to rapidly changing public needs.
Tying together the concerns raised throughout the morning, Dr. Alex B. Brilliantes Jr., Professor Emeritus of UP-NCPAG and Secretary General of the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA), delivered a compelling analysis of the state of Philippine governance during the afternoon’s plenary session.
Drawing from personal experiences and global observations, he expressed alarm over how the country is falling behind. Citing corruption indices, foreign signs rejecting Philippine pesos, and even the Philippines’ absence in a recent ASEAN leaders’ “traditional handshake” photo. These, he argued, reflect the deeper governance crises affecting national progress.
Despite these troubling realities, Dr. Brilliantes reminded the audience not to lose hope, saying, “may pag-asa pa.” He concluded his discussion with a heartfelt call, urging everyone, “We cannot fail the next generation,” and emphasized the need to commit to meaningful change “para sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon.”
Continuing into the third day, Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan and Dr. Sanjay Claudio, a professor from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) took center stage in the third plenary session focused on strengthening quality higher education.
Chancellor Ditucalan discussed the challenges and opportunities MSU-IIT faces in achieving international relevance. He opened his talk by briefly sharing how his background in Competition Law and global idea competitions shapes his leadership approach.
He posed the question: “What can a public university from Mindanao, far from traditional centers of power, do to become internationally relevant?” Through this, he highlighted MSU-IIT’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current pursuit of global excellence in research and innovation.
“In a crowded market, you cannot be everything to everyone,” he pointed out, highlighting the need for a unique and proactive approach to institutional management. He added, “My goal is to steer our limited resources not to imitate others.”
The Chancellor also highlighted MSU-IIT’s strong performance in international rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education. He emphasized that MSU-IIT students excel both academically and in extracurricular pursuits, a testament that even an institution from a region long challenged by conflict and violence can attain outstanding international recognition.
Meanwhile, Dr. Claudio, Director of the PUP Quality Assurance Center and a professor of Political Science and Public Administration, emphasized the importance of quality assurance in both teaching and the public administration profession.
He discussed the introduction of the public administration track in the Philippines and highlighted the complexities, regularities, and challenges of sustaining a program that is realistic, sustainable, adaptable, and institutionally sound.
“Kung hindi ka susuportahan ng top management, walang mangyayari,” he remarked, a statement that strongly resonates in the Philippine context, where improvements in educational quality often depends on the approval of top-level administrators. He also shared brief insights on Commission on Higher Education (CHED) policies, drawing from his experience as an accreditor.
Dr. Claudio further posed the question, “Tayo ba ay nagsasabi ng totoo o maganda lang sa papel?” emphasizing the need for authenticity and honesty when presenting to evaluators for quality assurance in public administration programs. He stressed that genuine quality must translate into real benefits for students and educators.
In a short yet meaningful virtual message, Speaker Faustino “Bonjie” Dy of the House of Representatives extended his congratulations and appreciation to ASPAP for its steadfast commitment to advancing public administration and public service.
“Tandaan po natin na kahit walang perpektong gobyerno ay maaari tayong maging pag-asa at patuloy na magsumikap para sa ating mamamayan,” he said, an assertion delivered amid ongoing controversies and scandals involving key House figures and national government officials.
Due to time constraints, the program accommodated only a few comments and questions from the participants. One of these came from a participant named Dr. Fe, who commended MSU-IIT’s achievements and ongoing reimagining efforts. She then addressed Dr. Claudio, suggesting that his extensive experience might extend contribution in strengthening the quality assurance and accreditation processes of public administration programs in the country.
More discussions were held in parallel sessions led by academicians and practitioners, addressing themes in public administration and governance that highlighted current trends, emerging challenges, and innovative approaches aimed at promoting efficiency, accountability, and sustainable development in the public sector.
After three days of lectures and sessions, the final day of the ASPAP 2025 Conference featured a tour of Marawi City’s Ground Zero and Iligan City’s Maria Cristina Falls. Guests, members, staff, and participants reflected on the region’s history and natural beauty, providing a memorable close to a conference dedicated to advancing governance, development, and education.
Written by Bea Faye Eumague, Xercys Nicolle Awa, and Adrian Ala
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero, Adam Vincent Perez, and John Vincent Balustre
Photos by Krizylle Louise Giltendez
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