LSIG Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo Receives NRCP 2022 Achievement Award for Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies

Manila, Philippines – La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG) Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo received the prestigious 2022 Achievement Award for the Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) during its 2023 Scientific Conference and 90th General Membership Assembly on March 10–11, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila.

In photos (far left) LSIG Director Dr. Ador R. Torneo receives the prestigious 2022 NRCP Achievement Award for the Division of Governmental, Educational, and International Policies, with other fellow awardees

In photos (left to right) The NRCP Achievement Awardees, LSIG Director Dr. Ador Torneo (2022), Dr. Rochelle Irene Lucas (2021), Dr. Marie Paz Morales (2019)

The NRCP Achievement Award is the most prestigious award granted by the Council to its members who have made significant accomplishments in areas such as natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, industry, social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. Over the last fifty years, this award has commended exceptional scientists and researchers in the Philippines, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to the nation's development.

Dr. Torneo was recognized for his productivity and quality of scholarly work, inspiring young academics, researchers, artists, and scientists in their chosen fields.

Key officials such as DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., NRCP President Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo, NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Cepeda, and NRCP Division I Chair Marie Paz Morales led the awarding ceremonies, which also recognized the achievement of distinguished scientists and researchers from various academic disciplines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. also graced the occasion to congratulate and commend the awardees.

In photos (left to right) NRCP President Dr. Cristine Villagonzalo, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., LSIG Director Dr. Ador Torneo, his wife Hiyas S. Clamor-Torneo, NRCP Division Chair Dr. Marie Paz Morales, NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda

Established in 1933, the NCRP is the oldest scientific research organization in the Philippines and serves as the official adviser on scientific matters to the Government of the Philippines.

The event was attended by more than two thousand participants from various fields and was conducted as a hybrid event, allowing attendees to join both in person and online.

LSIG, LGUs Work Together on Promoting Open Government in Youth Governance Systems

The reality is, the future of our country now rests upon us, we are now entering an age where governance will now be passed on to us. So, let us harness and nurture the chance to be of genuine service to others.

— Commissioner Reena Vivienne Pineda, National Youth Commission

Commissioner Reena Vivienne Pineda of the National Youth Commission encouraged youth leaders to stay firm in their convictions during the launching of POGCHAMPS: Project Open (Youth) Government Champions last February 17–18 at De La Salle University Malate, Manila.

"Remember that we must all recognize our privileges and not everyone has the privilege to stand up and fight for other people's lives. So, if you are in the position to do so, you should do it," Commissioner Pineda added.

Dr. Ador Torneo, Director of the La Salle Institute of Governance, stressed that the youth is vital to fostering open government for sustainable and inclusive development.

"The youth comprises now more than half of the Philippine population and is a key player in fostering open government. Your active participation introduces new ideas, innovations, and energy and contributes to the vibrant functioning of our democracy."

Local Youth Politics and Governance

The first module of the training program focused on the review of concepts, principles, and practices of local youth governance. Ian Jayson Hecita, policy research specialist at La Salle Institute of Governance, tackled the essence of public financial management and the public’s trust in sustainable local youth governance and open government. He also presented the I4- Juan model (Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Information- driven) as principles of open government.

Participants undergo a workshop to identify the roles and responsibilities of each actor in the youth governance ecosystem.  The activity resulted in the discussion of the legal basis of the functions of each stakeholder versus the actual practice on the ground.  The resource person, Crystal Eunice Dela Cruz of Civil Society Coalition on the Convention on the Rights of Children said, "There should be a clear line on accountability, especially on items with a tendency to overlap functions." 

Open Government and Good Governance

Infanta, Quezon Vice Mayor Lord Arnel “L.A.” Ruanto led the discussion on the principles and practices of open government and good governance. He emphasized PAT, or People’s Participation, Accountability, and Transparency, as the key characteristics of open government and good governance.

Vice Mayor Ruanto, who entered politics almost immediately after college, shared a guide and other practical tips for practicing transparency and accountability in a local government.

"The essence of transparency and good governance is not just about making information available and accessible to the public but also ensuring that the information is understood and appreciated by the people,"  he added.

Integrating transparency and accountability in the planning process

"The ability to have vision and mission in local youth development is a vital key that youth leaders must know." Jose Cielos, OIC Division Chief of the Regional Youth Development Division under NYC, underscored during his presentation on local youth development planning. He named Local Youth Development Council, Local Youth Development Office, and Sangguniang Kabataan as key institutions involved in local youth development planning. Cielos also identified vision, consultation, and monitoring as the building blocks in the planning process.

Concluding the first module was a session covering participatory governance in developing concrete actions through consultations and engagements. Founders of Hirayang Kabataan, Atty. Carlo Africa and Iya Gamboa led the workshop on formulating a Consulting Community Plan. This plan aims to guide the participants identify their local issues by consulting key stakeholders as they develop their local youth development plans.

Youth governance leaders from 12 LGUs across the country—Catbalogan City; Iloilo City; Malabon City; Manila City; Quezon City; Balete, Aklan; Irosin, Sorsogon; Maddela, Quirino; Odiongan, Romblon; San Mateo, Rizal; Province of Albay; Province of Northern Samar—attended and actively participated in the first module of the training program, which was implemented in a hybrid setup.

Organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG), with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and in partnership with the Galing Pook Foundation, POGCHAMPS is a training program for LGUs towards practicing the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation in local youth governance systems.

Experts Equip Advocates to Push for Political and Electoral Reforms

"We can make a difference; we have stopped a lot of discriminatory, unjust, and failed legislation because of our voice."

Manila — Policy analyst, women’s rights advocate, and lead facilitator Dr. Socorro L. Reyes emphasized in her discussion the framework for lobbying (advocacy) and power mapping during a 2-day capacity development training entitled Strategic Advocacy for Political and Electoral Reforms, held last February 8–9, 2023.

This capacity development training is intended to gather representatives from various political stakeholders, youth organizations, women's and LGBTQIA+ groups, civil society and non-government organizations, and the media and increase their capacity in lobbying for political and other electoral governance reforms.

La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG) Director, Dr. Ador R. Torneo, acknowledged and thanked the resource speakers and participants from various civil society groups in his welcoming remarks. He also stressed that the training is meant to help us (advocates) review practices and basic concepts and implement policy agendas more effectively.

During the program overview, various participants mentioned specific topics, such as approaches and strategies in political and electoral reforms and knowledge in political communications, that they expected to learn from.

Through the Advocacy Process
In Session 1, Dr. Reyes tackled the framework for lobbying (advocacy) and power mapping: player, process, products, and impacts. A workshop was conducted where participants presented their quick assessment of the sources of their target advocacy, including influence and power.

Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, an associate professor at the Department of Political Science at UP Diliman, discussed the advocacy process of understanding the dynamics of the policy process. She highlighted that civil society groups must be involved in every policy and legislative process.

The discussion continued with RAPPLER Head of Regions, Ms. Inday Espina-Varona, in which she presented the advocacy process of political communication and negotiation. Ms. Varona highlighted that there must be short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals in the advocacy process.

"Our most important public is our partners. The first step to empowerment is giving space to people’s voices—their voice, not ours." She added.

In her discussion about the advocacy process of networking and coalition building, GABRIELA Vice Chairperson Ms. Joms Salvador said that "advocating for political reforms is not easy. It involves challenging and structurally upturning norms, social biases, and economic interests.”

She concluded that networks and coalition building are essential parts of advocacy and that movements create and sustain change.

The Products and Their Impacts

Day 2 began with the recapitulation of the Day 1 discussion. Mr. Lito Averia, NAMFREL National Chairperson, discussed the laws and policies accessible electoral process and improving electoral rules, including voter registration, accessible voting, especially for marginalized groups, campaign finance, substitutions, fair and reflective of democratic values, party subsidies for women candidates, and automated and hybrid voting mechanisms.

Ateneo de Manila University instructor Mr. Arjan Aguirre tackled political party development laws and policies, focusing on party development's practical and strategic elements. While Mr. Jess Paul Pasibe, PARTICIPATE Election Oversight and Reform Specialist, presented the laws and policies for electoral system reform,

At the end of the discussion, participants developed and presented a result-oriented action plan for their respective reform agendas. The training ended with a closing remark from PARTICIPATE Information Specialist, Mr. Christian Esguerra.

There were an estimated total of 16 participants from the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), Coalition for Bicol Development-Naga City People’s Council (CBD-NCPC), Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG), Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PHILDHRRA), Alternative Planning Initiatives (PHILSSA-ALTERPLAN), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Samahan ng Kabataang Boluntaryo ng Pilipinas (SKBP), Hirayang Kabataan, Now You Know, and iDEFEND, who attended and participated in the training.

This event was organized by the La Salle Institute of Governance in partnership with PARTICIPATE.

CLA, SDRC, LSIG with CLA Social Sciences Cluster to Host DISSCON 2023

Manila – The College of Liberal Arts, Social Development Research Center, La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG), in cooperation with CLA Social Sciences Cluster, will be holding the 2023 DLSU International Social Sciences Conference (DISSCON2023) on August 11–12, 2023, at the La Carmela de Boracay Hotel & Convention Center, Boracay, Aklan.

With the theme, Sustainable Development Goals and the Social Sciences: Strengthening the key A.R.E.A.S. of Integration, the conference will revolve around strengthening the integration of the social sciences and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by exploring the key A.R.E.A.S. of higher education in the 21st century, which include academics, research, engagement, advocacy, and synergy. The conference will also highlight the crucial role that social sciences play in achieving the SDGs and will provide a platform for sharing research initiatives, projects, and best practices worldwide.

Open to educators, researchers, students, program implementers, government and industry personnel, community organizers, youth leaders, and professionals from all over the world, this event will provide a space for reflective, critical, and collaborative discussions on the role of social sciences in the attainment of the SDGs.

The DISSCON 2023 is an opportunity to showcase the significant contributions of the social sciences to sustainable development and to provide an avenue for critical discussions on how to further integrate these disciplines into our global efforts to uplift human conditions and create a sustainable planet for future generations.

We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to this exciting and impactful event.

For more details and inquiries about DISSCON2023, please email dissconference@gmail.com.

Project DeWAMS Team on Works for Possible Research Collaboration with Kalibo LGU

Manila– The Project DeWAMS team of the De La Salle University expressed their interest in a research collaboration with the Municipal Government of Kalibo on sanitation and wastewater management during the workshop held on January 26, 2023, at the Ati-Atihan County Inn, Kalibo, Aklan.

Ceremonial MOU signing. From left to right: Ms. Giselle Quimpo (Executive Assistant II, Kalibo LGU). Hon. Juris B. Sucro (Municipal Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan), and Dr. Arnel Beltran (Project Leader, Project DeWAMS)

Under Project DeWAMS, the said activity in collaboration with the Kalibo LGU and other stakeholders aims to discuss the current situation and plans of the LGU for sanitation and wastewater management; demonstrate and seek feedback on the proposed planning guide for the degree of centralization and technology matrix; review and discuss the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management; and foster the research partnership between DLSU and Kalibo LGU.

Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, on behalf of the NRCP, gave his welcoming remarks and thanked the Kalibo LGU for their utmost support for this project’s initiative.

Introduction of Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla as Project Member and Governing Board of the National Research Council of the Philippines

Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco discussed the criteria for the degree of centralization for wastewater treatment using the information and documents provided by the Kalibo LGU.

Demonstration of the Planning Guide for Degree of Centralization for Wastewater Management Systems led by Dr. Renan Ma. Tanhueco

Hon. Cynthia Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan, attended the workshop and presented Ordinance No. 2018-041 (An Ordinance Establishing a Proper Sewage Treatment and Septage Management System in the Municipality of Kalibo and Prescribing Penalties for Violations Therefore).

Group photo with Hon. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, M.D., Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan

During the afternoon session, Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio presented the technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized management systems. Dr. Ador Torneo, Director of Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG) led the discussion about the barriers and policies related to sanitation and wastewater management, with Mark Davin Sajonas and Jose Maria Victor Pascual.

Technology matrix for on-site, decentralized, and centralized wastewater management systems led by Dr. Aileen Orbecido and Engr. Regina Damalerio

Discussion of Policies Related to Sanitation and Wastewater led by Dr. Ador Torneo, Mr. Mark Davin Sajonas, and Mr. Jose Maria Victor Pascual

The team also had a courtesy call with Hon. Frolibar S. Bautista, Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan.

Courtesy visit to the Municipal Mayor of Malay, Aklan last Jan 27, 2023

Several project members from DLSU, including Dr. Kathleen Aviso, Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering, and Dr. Ma. Catriona Devanadera, project collaborator of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, also attended and participated in the review of the existing policies related to sanitation and wastewater management.

Group photo with the members of the Municipal WaSH Planning Team, Municipal WaSH Technical Working Group, and representatives from the Metro Kalibo Water District, Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS)

Funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines, the Decentralized Approach to Domestic Wastewater Management System in the Philippines: A Systematic Review and Policy Recommendations Project (Project DeWAMS) is conducted from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.