SMU School of Graduate Studies Business, Accountancy, and Public Administration Cluster Champions Inclusive and Accountable Leadership Through Governance Seminar

In line with its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development, the Master in Public Administration (MPA) students and PhD Commerce students of Saint Mary’s University successfully conducted a seminar-workshop titled “Leading Change: Building Effective and Accountable Local Governments” on May 16, 2026, at Bintawan National High School.

The activity brought together local officials and community leaders in a meaningful dialogue focused on strengthening local governance, participatory leadership, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning. The seminar underscored the vital role of ethical, transparent, and responsive governance in building sustainable and people-centered communities.

The program formally opened with an invocation and the singing of the national anthem led by Ms. Philina M. Pastor, a PhD Commerce student. This was followed by the welcome remarks of Mrs. Sheryl A. Adducul-Baria, MBA, CMP, CFMP, Faculty-in-Charge for Public Fiscal Administration and Theory and Practice in Public Administration, who emphasized the importance of equipping local leaders with practical knowledge and effective governance strategies. Barangay Kagawad Jose J. Villuan, representing Barangay Captain Hon. Rogelio J. Lorenzana, also expressed support for initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance.

One of the major highlights of the seminar was Session 1, “From Ideas to Action: Strengthening Local Leadership and People’s Participation,” facilitated by Atty. Aruel F. Delim Jr. The discussion focused on the roles and functions of local government leaders, strengthening people’s participation in governance, and enhancing the barangay planning process to ensure inclusive and responsive public service.

In Session 2, Atty. Xaviery Brent D. Galima delivered a lecture on “Smart Governance: Fiscal Leadership, Policy Innovation, and Strategic Planning.” Participants gained valuable insights into barangay mandatory plans and planning, policy-driven governance, the barangay budget process, and fiscal management in the barangay.

The seminar concluded with a meaningful synthesis of learning delivered by Ms. Karen Grace N. Celestino, a PhD Commerce student, who highlighted the key insights gained from the discussions on participatory leadership, strategic governance, fiscal accountability, and community empowerment. She emphasized the importance of translating these learnings into concrete actions that promote transparency, collaboration, and responsive governance within local communities.

A highlight of the closing program was the awarding of certificates to all participants and speakers in recognition of their active participation, commitment to learning, and valuable contributions to the success of the seminar-workshop. The awarding ceremony symbolized not only the completion of the activity but also the participants’ collective commitment to promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive local governance.

The activity formally concluded with closing remarks delivered by Harrison T. Villanueva, Ph.D., Faculty-in-Charge for Local Government Administration and Planning and Corporate (Strategic) Planning, who reaffirmed the collective commitment of participants to building more effective, accountable, and sustainable local governments for future generations.

The seminar directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by promoting transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance at the grassroots level. It also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education through lifelong learning opportunities and capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among academic institutions, local government units, and community leaders.