Anchored on its GIFTED (Graduate Initiatives for Training, Empowerment and Development) Program, the PA 324 Class (Administrative Ethics in Public Service) of the SMU School of Graduate Studies conducted a seminar-extension activity on May 4, 2026, for the barangay leaders, officers, and staff of Brgy. Sanafe, Lamut, Ifugao. Carrying the theme, “Leading with Integrity in Public Service,” the seminar aimed to equip public servants with practical tools and ethical leadership principles that promote integrity, accountability, and responsible decision-making in public service. Furthermore, the activity sought to deepen the participants’ understanding of ethical leadership and integrity-based governance in order to strengthen professionalism and public trust in government service.

Doctorate students enrolled in the PA 324 course served as resource speakers, sharing their knowledge and insights on selected topics related to administrative ethics in public service:

• Topic 1: Code of Ethics and Ethical Governance – Ari Ben L. Ablang, DPA Student 
• Topic 2: Ethics and Public Sector Human Resource Management – Delia Grace C. Dionisio, DPA Student 
• Topic 3: Ethical Governance in the LGU: Principles, Policies, and Best Practices – Marriane B. Malingan, PhD SciEd Student 
• Topic 4: Ethics in Public Financial Management – Natividad M. Salcedo, PhD EdM Student 

The class was led by the course professor, Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita, with the support of the Graduate Program Cluster Department Head for BAPA (Business, Accountancy, and Public Administration), Dr. Loreta V. Garlitos, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Gertrude G. Danao. The extension activity was duly approved by the Director of the CEIPSC (Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center), Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez.

The PA 324 class extends its sincere gratitude to the School of Graduate Studies and the CEIPSC for their full support of this meaningful community engagement endeavor. Likewise, heartfelt appreciation is extended to the BLGU Sanafe, under the leadership of Barangay Chairperson Hon. Rhea Vanessa Cambay Miguel, for warmly welcoming the class and accommodating the conduct of the seminar in their office.

This activity 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 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among academic institutions, local government units, and community leaders.