Advancing good governance through ASPAP 2025

by Kyle Cresta S. Leong and Alvin Paul C. Patarlas, OfCom Interns | Dec 01 2025

Following the “The Masterclass Lectures of Pahayag: A Masterclass Seminar Series on the Latest Methods and Trends in Public Administration, Management, and Governance Education in the Philippines,” held on November 25, 2025, the first day of the 2025 Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP) General Assembly and International Conference, the ASPAP Conference Proper commenced on November 26, 2025, at the University Gymnasium.

Through the Department of Political Science and the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), in partnership with ASPAP, the conference brought together participants from across the country to engage in discussions on public administration education, governance reforms, and the continuing role of the discipline in advancing peace and national development.

The day commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Jack B. Isolana, Conference Chairperson and ASPAP Auditor. He expressed gratitude to the participants, organizers, and institutional partners for their support, highlighting the conference’s importance as a platform for dialogue and collaboration toward accountable and responsive governance.

Following the opening remarks, Dr. Michville River, ASPAP President, addressed the crowd, thanking the sponsors, board members, and the host institution for their support and acknowledging the efforts of the Political Science Department in organizing the event and bringing together representatives from various institutions. Dr. River emphasized the value of such gatherings in promoting discussion, learning, and professional exchange. He encouraged attendees to actively engage in the sessions and collaborate with colleagues to enhance public administration practices, expressing hope that the conference would inspire practical ideas for improving governance and public service delivery.

Dr. Marie Joy D. Banawa, Dean of CASS, who spoke on behalf of Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, expressed the university’s appreciation for hosting the conference and highlighted the significance of providing a national venue for discussions on public administration.

The keynote address for the program was delivered via video by CSC Chairperson Marilyn Barua-Yap, titled “Developing a Competent, Agile and Progressive Civil Service Workforce.” Chairperson Barua-Yap was recognized for her contributions to public governance and legislative processes. She emphasized that effective governance relies on a civil service workforce that is competent, agile, and progressive. She also noted that the CSC examination focuses on assessing competence and skills, ensuring a fair and merit-based system in line with the CSC’s mission to professionalize the civil service.

In a video message, Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, S.J., President of Ateneo de Davao University, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening good governance in the country. He noted that the Philippines is facing “a crisis in leadership due to massive and systematic corruption,” and stressed the need to uphold integrity and public service in all sectors.

Fr. San Juan emphasized the importance of forming values grounded in honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership, as well as ensuring that public governance systems remain protected from corruption. He concluded by expressing Ateneo de Davao University’s continued support for initiatives that uphold the dignity of the public administration profession and its crucial role in nation-building.

The plenary sessions in the morning and in the afternoon had topics spanning decentralization and governance in the Philippines, the role of Public Administration education in addressing contemporary governance challenges, local government units’ initiatives and collaborative efforts with academic institutions, and women in leadership. These topics rounded out the day with clear perspectives on governance and inclusive development. [Read more about this here: ]

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The second day of ASPAP 2025 deepened conversations on governance, decentralization, peacebuilding, and inclusive leadership. Through insights from national scholars, local executives, and policy experts, the event highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Philippine public administration through transparency, civic participation, and people-centered reforms.

As the conference continues, ASPAP and 缅北禁地-IIT reaffirm their shared commitment to shaping future public administrator leaders grounded in integrity, critical insight, and a genuine dedication to nation-building.

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