The Development Academy of the Philippines–Graduate School of Public Management (DAP-GSPM) formally opened its inaugural Sustainability Governance International Conference 2026 (SG ICon26) on September 29, 2026, at Casa de Polo, Valenzuela City. Anchored on the theme, “Forging Pathways to Sustainable Futures: Governance in the Age of Global Change,” the landmark gathering convened researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and institutional leaders for a dynamic exchange of ideas on the complex and evolving challenges of sustainability and governance. The opening program featured distinguished leaders, including Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” T. Gatchalian, DAP Acting President and CEO Leocadio S. Sebastian, PhD, CESO I, and DAP Senior Vice President and GSPM Dean Lizan E. Perante-Calina, DPA. Messages of support were also delivered by Shirley C. Agrupis, PhD, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), represented by CHED Commissioner Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, and Hon. Adilon L. Pasaraba, CESO III, Undersecretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary. The conference also marked the launch of the Sustainability-Enabling Governance Index (SEGI) Project, International Journal on Sustainability Governance, and Book of Abstracts, further strengthening scholarship and discourse on sustainability governance.

On September 30, SG ICon26 continued at the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) Building of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), where participants engaged in simultaneous panel sessions addressing diverse dimensions of sustainability governance. Discussions explored themes ranging from governing sustainability transitions to futuring sustainability-enabling governance systems, providing opportunities for experts, researchers, and practitioners from various sectors to share experiences, insights, and emerging approaches. Among the featured discussions was Panel Session 1: “Governing Sustainability Transitions,” which examined how public governance institutions can evolve to promote sustainable societies. The session featured Hon. Gerald Cloyd Alexis Dela Vega Galang, Vice-Chair of the House Commission on SDGs and Congressman of Valenzuela City’s 2nd District, as plenary speaker; Ma. Margarita S. Mejia, DPA, Head of the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department, and Mariecar Gecale, Product Owner for Asia of Peterson Technologies, as plenary reactors; and Ramces M. Dili, PhD, Assistant Professor II of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, as moderator.

Representing Saint Mary’s University (SMU) as paper presenters, Dr. Erwin D. Naval and Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva presented their respective research studies during Session 4: “Futuring Sustainability-Enabling Governance Systems.” Dr. Naval presented “Legislative Competency of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials: A Catalyst for Youth Participation in Local Governance of a First-Class Municipality,” co-authored with Ernest L. Esmeralda, Diwata V. Donato, Xaviery Brent D. Galima, and Carlo Noel D. Gines. Dr. Villanueva presented “Nueva Vizcaya MSMEs’ Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals Attainment and Challenges Encountered: Towards a Proposed Training Plan with DTI and PLGU,” co-authored with Ms. Sheryl A. Adducul-Baria, Mrs. Dorilyn C. Tiongson, Atty. Francis Leo C. Tugab, and CPA. Their presentations brought local and community-grounded research from Nueva Vizcaya to an international platform, contributing perspectives on youth participation, local governance, MSME development, and sustainable development while showcasing SMU’s continuing commitment to research excellence, evidence-informed governance, community engagement, and sustainable development.