My unicorn life as a student

Philippine Issues and Prospects of Today:

An Intellectually Invigorating Forum in Pursuit of Good Governance and Sustainable Development

---MRS. DJ PARK---

The Master in Public Governance students under the College of Arts and Sciences of West Visayas State University conducted a 2-day seminar presenting timely topics on some of society’s most pressing issues: that of Federalism and Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management. It was held last March 5-6, 2018 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Mandurriao, Iloilo City in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government VI, Office of Civil Defense VI, and Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP).

The first day of the seminar highlighted topics on Federalism with Jonathan E. Malaya, Asst. Sec. for Capacity Development Public Affairs, Communications, DILG, as Keynote Speaker. He presented the “Economic, Social and Political Viability of Federalism” as well as the emerging model of Philippine Federalism and the need for structural change. He emphasized that Federalism is the practical solution to age-old problems of poverty, inequality and instability, and provides a system where national unity is maintained while protecting the diversity of the Philippine society. The second speaker was Dr. Alex B. Brillantes, CHED Commissioner and Director of Local Government Academy, DILG, who discussed the “Impacts of Federalism to Society and Federalism vs. The Current Form of Government”. Dr. Brillantes stressed out that Federalism should not be seen as a one-off reform. It should be seen as part of the evolution and as part of the continuing search for the appropriate politico-administrative machinery responsive to the needs of the people, especially the local people. Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, Regional Director of DILG VI and Jose Roberto R. Nunez, Regional Director of OCD VI also gave their messages prior to the lecture. Taking into account the recent moves from both the government and civil society, Federalism is therefore a very dynamic, relevant and timely topic in the Philippines.

The second day of the seminar focused on Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management with Prof. Jorge S. Ebay, Director of West Visayan Studies, UPV and Program Manager of Child Centered Disaster Risk Reduction Program for Western Visayas, UNICEF, as resource person. He discussed the “Salient features of RA 10121 and the Significance of Community-based Disaster Management Practice including LGU-Volunteer Collaboration and Exploration of Partners Across all Four Thematic Pillars of DRRPM”. He explained the inherent vulnerability of the Philippines to natural hazards which stems from its geographic location and that the poor are the most vulnerable to the damage caused by natural disasters. He accented the importance of good governance through transparency and accountability and the institutionalization of the best practices of local communities which have been serving as effective DRRM. The second speaker was Vadm. Alexander P. Pama (ret.), Former Civil Defense Administrator and Executive Director, DRMMC who talked about “Understanding Disaster Risk as Requisite for Enhancing Capacities for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management”. He said that understanding the disaster risks will enable us to determine what to do and how to do it in order to prevent or mitigate the detrimental effects of disasters. It is done by addressing the imperatives to improve our coping capacities to minimize exposure and vulnerability to disaster risks. With that said, awareness, identification, understanding and measurement of disaster risks are all clearly fundamental underpinnings of disaster risk management. To help the participants see light at the end of the tunnel and to give an extra burst of hope and courage to persevere, Rev. Msgr. Meliton Oso, Head of Jaro Archdiocesan Action Center gave an inspirational message with a one-liner, “It is better to be hated for telling the truth, than to be loved for telling a lie; It is better to be divided by truth than to be united by error; It is better to stand alone with the truth than to be wrong with the multitude.” As closing, Dr. April Dream G. Rico, Adviser of MPG Seminar Class and Coordinator of WVSU Center for Good Governance gave her appreciation speech for the engagement and candour that everyone has contributed to the seminar.

There were many topics covered during the 2-day convention and the presenters did an outstanding job of sharing their expertise with the participants. Overall, the turnout was great and everyone was able to learn a lot more than they already knew and the enthusiasm and positive spirit helped make the event both productive and fun. In a nutshell, the convention provided sound presentations, enlightening discussions and enriching personal encounters which gave the participants a good experience to remember.

KUDOS 2^nd year MPG students!!!