Bayanihan Lab Network

23/02/2026

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

QUEZON CITY — Youth organizations gathered on February 20 at Ateneo de Manila University to advance a more structured and inclusive framework for youth engagement in open governance, marking a significant step in the formation of the PH-OGP Youth Network.

The inception meeting, organized by 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗣𝗛, is part of the “GenOGP” initiative supported by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and the Youth Democracy Cohort. The program seeks to engage Filipino youth in reviewing, monitoring, and co-creating youth-centered commitments under the Philippine Open Government Partnership, including the development of a proposed PH-OGP Youth Action Plan.

During the discussions, it was emphasized that 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and instead be institutionalized through sustained capacity-building and technical grounding within existing governance frameworks such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

BLN underscored that the presence of meaningful youth participation or the lack thereof, does not only affect young people themselves, but also directly impacts the quality, inclusiveness, and legitimacy of decisions made by duty-bearers. By anchoring youth engagement within OGP’s established mechanisms for co-creation, monitoring, and accountability, the network can foster a guided, credible, and policy-aligned platform.

BLN was represented in the workshops by Dexter Lloyd Sularte and Gella Leano, who contributed to breakout sessions and strategic planning discussions. Sularte advocated for the establishment of regional chapters of the proposed youth platform to address accessibility gaps for organizations outside Metro Manila, particularly in areas where civic space remains constrained. He emphasized that decentralizing engagement mechanisms is essential to ensuring inclusive representation and equitable participation nationwide.

The BLN delegation also engaged with GoodGovPH founders Dexter Yang and Bryan Gonzales, exploring pathways for sustained collaboration among youth-led and youth-serving institutions committed to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

As the PH-OGP Youth Network continues to develop, participating organizations affirmed their shared commitment to strengthening institutional channels for youth participation and cultivating principled, competent, and reform-oriented young leaders within the Philippine open government ecosystem.

Photos credits: GoodGov PH

20/02/2026

𝗕𝗟𝗡 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

QUEZON CITY — The National Youth Commission (NYC) recently met with the Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) represented by Mr. Dexter Lloyd Sularte, to explore potential areas of collaboration on the upcoming CityScape Youth Leaders Program in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, scheduled for April 28–May 2, 2026.

The meeting centered on strengthening the architecture of international exposure programs for Filipino youth leaders, particularly those serving in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). 𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝘃𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁 conveyed openness to sustained collaboration and underscored the importance of ensuring that international engagements for SK officials and youth leaders are implemented with rigor, accountability, and clear developmental outcomes. The discussion emphasized that overseas learning initiatives must be structured, policy-aligned, and anchored on measurable capacity development objectives.

BLN presented the design framework of the Kaohsiung program, which will intentionally limit participation to 35 delegates per cohort in order to preserve depth of engagement, mentoring quality, and structured peer-learning dynamics. The program will convene Filipino and Taiwanese professors, civil servants, community leaders, and entrepreneurs in facilitated sessions focusing on youth governance, urban innovation, sustainable development, and civic leadership. The initiative is organized in partnership with Youth Service Philippines (YSP) and Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Taiwan.

BLN and its program managers have been involved in Philippine–Taiwan exchanges from 2023 to 2026. Over this period, the network facilitated more than 70 bilateral delegations involving over 1,100 participants across local governments, national government agencies, higher education institutions, civil society organizations, and youth sectors. These engagements include 55+ Philippine delegations to Taiwan with an estimated 850–900 participants, reflecting sustained multi-sectoral cooperation and demonstrated program management capacity.

Also present during the meeting were 𝗠𝗿. 𝗪𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗼, Founder of Youth Service Philippines, and 𝗠𝗿. 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼, 𝗘𝗻𝗣 Senior Lecturer at UP NCPAG. They articulated the complementary role of civic organizations and non-government institutions in supporting NYC’s mandate, particularly in scaling leadership formation efforts across the country’s more than 42,000 barangays. The discussion highlighted that collaborative governance anchored on partnerships between state institutions and civil society—remains essential in cultivating principled, competent, and development-oriented youth leaders.

For more information on the upcoming CityScape Youth Leaders Program (April 28–May 2, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan), including program framework, eligibility, and application details, interested stakeholders may visit: https://bayanihanlabnetwork.com or message us through our social media platforms.

13/02/2026

𝗕𝗟𝗡 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹

Tanghalang Rizal, Pasig City | February 9

Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN), represented by Co-Founder Dexter Lloyd Sularte, participated in the Senate Committee Hearing on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill on February 9 at Tanghalang Rizal, Pasig City, contributing governance insights and calling for stronger youth and civil society engagement in advancing the long-pending constitutional reform.

During the hearing led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, it was emphasized that while the bill is not a “silver bullet” that will instantly resolve the country’s structural problems, continuing to delay its passage is no longer acceptable. The measure seeks to operationalize a provision already enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibiting political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Sularte shared lessons drawn from BLN’s governance learning programs in Taiwan and the Philippines, highlighting how democratic systems thrive when leadership pathways are accessible beyond entrenched political families and when civic participation is institutionalized. He also raised a critical question: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺-𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀?

In response, Senator Hontiveros and Anti-Dynasty Network Co-Convener Kiko Aquino-Dee stressed that the movement must remain collective and inclusive. They underscored the importance of mobilizing youth leaders and civil society organizations nationwide, emphasizing that reform will require broad citizen participation rather than isolated political effort. SK Federation President Jonas Abadilla furthers the discussion by encouraging the youth sector to be fearless and maximize free legal assistance for added protection against potential harrassment.

A key point raised during the discussion was that the Anti-Political Dynasty advocacy should not be framed merely as a partisan debate. The constitutional mandate already exists; what is needed is implementing legislation. In the earlier parts of the hearing, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasizes that the push for the anti political dynasty bill does not target any political individual, but rather pushes for a strengthened democracy through accountability and equal opportunity.

Sularte noted that in a fully functioning democracy, such a law should not even be necessary. When integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility are deeply embedded in political culture, leadership renewal happens organically. However, decades of waiting for systemic self-correction have not yielded structural reform.

Political dynasties continue to concentrate power, limiting equal access to public office and weakening institutional checks and balances. While resistance from entrenched interests is expected, advocates stressed that meaningful reform requires unity and sustained engagement from the electorate.

The youth sector has emerged as one of the strongest voices supporting the bill. With the Philippines approaching a critical demographic window toward 2045, participants emphasized that failure to enact governance reforms now risks long-term economic stagnation and widening social divides.

The hearing reinforced a central message: democratic renewal cannot depend solely on personalities in power. It requires informed, organized, and proactive citizens.

For BLN, bayanihan is participatory and democratic reforms happen when citizens act together.

Photo credits to the following:

Gella Leano
Herbert Photography
Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros

03/02/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 | Call for Filipino Youth

📍 April 28 – May 2, 2026 | Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Cities don’t just happen—they are designed, governed, and fought for. The CityScape Youth Leaders 2026 is an immersive learning experience for Filipino youth who want to understand how world-class cities are built and governed. Go beyond theories and see how smart transportation, sustainable housing, green corridors, and people-centered governance are planned, regulated, and implemented on the ground. It’s eye-opening, perspective-shifting, and a chance to be part of a growing movement of young Filipinos reimagining what truly livable cities can be.

Join us for a 5-day Study Tour and Training program built for young changemakers who care about livable cities, smart governance, and real-world public leadership.

This promises an enriching week of learning about urban sustainability and how we can level up youth leadership in action!

What's included:
✅Accommodation with daily meals and snacks
✅Curated learning exchanges and site visits
✅Seminar workshops + high-level networking sessions
✅Certificate of Completion

This learning expedition will be coached by Lesther Balmatero, ENP, and the Co-Founders of Bayanihan Lab Network Dexter Sularte and Caren Avenido—bringing academic excellence, governance expertise, and regional leadership experience to every session.

If you believe cities can be more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable and you want to be part of that conversation, this program is for you!

⏳ Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
🔗 Secure Your Slot: https://forms.gle/yuYCusqUHNXNsSDMA

Let's shape the future of urban governance one cityscape at a time.

In collabration with Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association and Youth Service Philippines

01/02/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📍 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan | 🗓 17–21 March 2026

Good news for city leaders and urban governance practitioners—Early Bird Registration has been extended for SMART CITIES 2026: Where Smart Means Liveable.

This international benchmarking and capacity-building program delivers policy-oriented, practice-driven learning on smart city governance, sustainable urban development, digitalization, and participatory governance—designed for direct application to Philippine LGUs.

A major highlight is exclusive participation in the Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo (20 March 2026), one of Asia’s premier platforms for scalable smart city solutions.

⏳ Limited slots only. Early Bird rates available for a short time.
🔗 Register now: https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9
📩 For institutional or group registrations, feel free to message us.

28/01/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📍 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
🗓 17–21 March 2026

Smart Cities 2026: Where Smart Means Liveable

Now is the best time to secure your slot for SMART CITIES 2026: Taiwanihan Learning & Training Program, an international benchmarking and capacity-building initiative of Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) designed for Filipino city leaders, LGU officials, planners, policy professionals, academe, and emerging urban governance practitioners.

This program goes beyond study visits. It delivers structured, policy-oriented learning on how leading cities translate innovation, digitalization, and participatory governance into liveable, inclusive, and efficient urban systems—with direct application to Philippine local governance.

A key highlight is participation in the Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo (20 March 2026), a premier international platform jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, Smart City Industry Alliance (TSSA), and Taipei Computer Association (TCA). The Summit & Expo convenes cities, industries, and policymakers to showcase IoT-enabled solutions and scalable smart city practices.

Program Focus Areas:
• Smart City Governance and Urban Development Policy
• Sustainable Urban Design and Smart Transport Systems
• Democratic Governance and Anti-Corruption through Digitalization
• Citizen Complaints Management and Anti-Red Tape
• Barangay Development and Public Space Liberation

The learning experience is guided by Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Senior Fellow of the UP–NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development, and Lesther Balmatero, ENP, Senior Lecturer at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, ensuring a program that is evidence-based, practice-oriented, and policy-relevant.

💡 Payment Information (PHP Delegates):
For consistency and to cover bank withdrawal fees, foreign exchange charges, and rate fluctuations, the program applies a fixed internal conversion rate of 1 NTD = 2 PHP for delegates paying in Philippine pesos.

⏳ Early Bird Registration is now open. Slots are limited.
Secure preferential rates and confirmed participation by registering early.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9
📩 For institutional or group registrations and hotel inquiries, feel free to send us a message.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📍 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
🗓 17–21 March 2026

Smart Cities 2026: Where Smart Means Liveable

Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) invites Filipino leaders, professionals, and emerging practitioners to participate in the SMART CITIES 2026 Taiwanihan Learning & Training Program in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan—one of Asia’s leading smart and sustainable cities.

This international benchmarking and capacity-building program provides structured exposure to Taiwan’s governance frameworks, urban innovations, and technology-enabled public services, with a special highlight on the 𝑲𝒂𝒐𝒉𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕 & 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒐 on the 20th of March.

The Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo (KSCSE) is a professional exhibition focused on Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, which started in 2022 and jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, the Smart City Industry Alliance (TSSA), and the Taipei Computer Association (TCA). KSCSE serves as a platform for dialogue between cities and industries, providing an international exchange and cooperation platform for the development of smart cities.

Program Focus Areas:

• Smart City Governance and Urban Development Policy
• Sustainable Urban Design and Smart Transport Systems
• Democratic Governance and Anti-Corruption via Digitalization
• Citizen Complaints Management and Anti-Redtape
• Barangay Development and Public Space Liberation

This year’s program is designed to translate international smart city practices into actionable insights for Philippine cities—grounded in evidence-based policy, innovation, and collaborative governance—under the academic and professional guidance of Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Senior Fellow of the UP–NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development, and Lesther Balmatero, ENP, Senior Lecturer at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance.

Registration Deadline: 15 February
Register here https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9 or scan the QR code. You may also send us a message for large groups.

28/01/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📍 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
🗓 17–21 March 2026

Smart Cities 2026: Where Smart Means Liveable

Now is the best time to secure your slot for SMART CITIES 2026: Taiwanihan Learning & Training Program, an international benchmarking and capacity-building initiative of Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) designed for Filipino city leaders, LGU officials, planners, policy professionals, academe, and emerging urban governance practitioners.

This program goes beyond study visits. It delivers structured, policy-oriented learning on how leading cities translate innovation, digitalization, and participatory governance into liveable, inclusive, and efficient urban systems—with direct application to Philippine local governance.

A key highlight is participation in the Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo (20 March 2026), a premier international platform jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, Smart City Industry Alliance (TSSA), and Taipei Computer Association (TCA). The Summit & Expo convenes cities, industries, and policymakers to showcase IoT-enabled solutions and scalable smart city practices.

Program Focus Areas:
• Smart City Governance and Urban Development Policy
• Sustainable Urban Design and Smart Transport Systems
• Democratic Governance and Anti-Corruption through Digitalization
• Citizen Complaints Management and Anti-Red Tape
• Barangay Development and Public Space Liberation

The learning experience is guided by Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Senior Fellow of the UP–NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development, and Lesther Balmatero, ENP, Senior Lecturer at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, ensuring a program that is evidence-based, practice-oriented, and policy-relevant.

💡 Payment Information (PHP Delegates):
For consistency and to cover bank withdrawal fees, foreign exchange charges, and rate fluctuations, the program applies a fixed internal conversion rate of 1 NTD = 2 PHP for delegates paying in Philippine pesos.

⏳ Early Bird Registration is now open. Slots are limited.
Secure preferential rates and confirmed participation by registering early.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9
📩 For institutional or group registrations and hotel inquiries, feel free to send us a message.

18/01/2026

Join the Philippine delegation at the Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo 2026!

This year’s program is designed to translate international smart city practices into actionable insights for Philippine cities—grounded in evidence-based policy, innovation, and collaborative governance—under the academic and professional guidance of Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Senior Fellow of the UP–NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development, and Lesther Balmatero, ENP, Senior Lecturer at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance.

Registration Deadline: 15 February

Register here https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9 or scan the QR code. You may also send us a message for large groups.

The 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo is expected to be the world’s largest smart city trade show, and the only platform dedicated to smart city solutions and se...

18/01/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 | 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

📍 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
🗓 17–21 March 2026

Smart Cities 2026: Where Smart Means Liveable

Bayanihan Lab Network (BLN) invites Filipino leaders, professionals, and emerging practitioners to participate in the SMART CITIES 2026 Taiwanihan Learning & Training Program in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan—one of Asia’s leading smart and sustainable cities.

This international benchmarking and capacity-building program provides structured exposure to Taiwan’s governance frameworks, urban innovations, and technology-enabled public services, with a special highlight on the 𝑲𝒂𝒐𝒉𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕 & 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒐 on the 20th of March.

The Kaohsiung Smart City Summit & Expo (KSCSE) is a professional exhibition focused on Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, which started in 2022 and jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, the Smart City Industry Alliance (TSSA), and the Taipei Computer Association (TCA). KSCSE serves as a platform for dialogue between cities and industries, providing an international exchange and cooperation platform for the development of smart cities.

Program Focus Areas:

• Smart City Governance and Urban Development Policy
• Sustainable Urban Design and Smart Transport Systems
• Democratic Governance and Anti-Corruption via Digitalization
• Citizen Complaints Management and Anti-Redtape
• Barangay Development and Public Space Liberation

This year’s program is designed to translate international smart city practices into actionable insights for Philippine cities—grounded in evidence-based policy, innovation, and collaborative governance—under the academic and professional guidance of Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Senior Fellow of the UP–NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development, and Lesther Balmatero, ENP, Senior Lecturer at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance.

Registration Deadline: 15 February
Register here https://forms.gle/aqvnc6SKCuNyNwyx9 or scan the QR code. You may also send us a message for large groups.

10/01/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐩𝐮 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚, 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

From January 6 to 9, Mayor Chung Ching-Chen led the Neipu Township delegation from Pingtung County, Taiwan, in an official visit to Victoria, Tarlac in the Philippines, affirming a shared commitment to nation building through grassroots governance, knowledge exchange, and solidarity among local communities. The visit, warmly welcomed by Mayor Rex Villa Agustin, served as an avenue for both sides to deepen friendships, explore development models, and embody what Filipinos call “Bayanihan” and what Taiwanese counterparts proudly echo as “Taiwanihan.”

The delegation’s arrival marked more than a formal exchange—it highlighted how municipalities and townships can directly catalyze transnational partnership and sustainable development. The delegates visited Victoria’s public market, where they witnessed local enterprise in motion and observed how micro-economies serve as engines of livelihood in Philippine municipalities. The visit was followed by a courtesy call with the governor, where the delegation was formally received by Governor Christian Yap and his wife, Melissa Yap along with the rest of the board members of Tarlac, enhancing collaborative governance and showcasing readiness for partnership for future cooperation across agriculture, tourism, livelihood development, and environmental management.

The Neipu delegation toured the Victoria Industrial Park to understand how local industries create jobs and attract investors, reflecting a concrete model of community-led economic progress. They also visited the Canarem Bird Sanctuary, a regional environmental asset that demonstrates how ecological preservation can coexist with tourism and civic pride. At the Materials Recovery Facility, they exchanged insights on waste management systems, a shared priority for both Taiwan and the Philippines as they push toward cleaner and more resilient communities. Heritage and cultural appreciation was highlighted through a visit to the century tree—an enduring symbol of Victoria’s identity and intergenerational continuity—and an experience with the bambike, an eco-innovation blending Filipino ingenuity with sustainable design.

Underlying every stop was a deeper message: nation building does not happen only through national capitals or foreign ministries; it also emerges from township officials exchanging wisdom, mayors shaking hands, and communities learning from each other. The Neipu Township's visit to Victoria, Tarlac reaffirmed that collaboration between Taiwan and the Philippines stands not only on policies, but on relationships rooted in humility, commitment, and service.

As both sides look ahead, the groundwork laid during these four days will serve as the foundation for future partnerships grounded in action and progress. With Bayanihan and Taiwanihan as guiding forces, Neipu Township and Victoria, Tarlac demonstrate that cooperation is not simply about agreements—it is about shared purpose, mutual empowerment, and a collective belief that local communities can shape national futures.

Photos courtesy of LGU Victoria, Tarlac

06/12/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀’ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗔

Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, Visiting Professor at UP-NCPAG and Senior Advisor of Bayanihan Lab Network, delivered a transformative governance lecture at the Anti-Red Tape Authority(ARTA) on the topic “The Aesthetics of Transparency Requires Integrity and Neutrality: Building the National Integrity System through Public Genetic Reengineering for Good Governance and Good Life.” The session was formally requested by the ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez and attended by ARTA officials, technical staff, and employees from all over the country at the ARTA Office at the NFA Building, Quezon City on December 5, 2025.

During the lecture, Dr. Wu emphasized the importance of transparency, institutional integrity, and neutrality as the core pillars of an effective National Integrity System (NIS). He discussed how public genetic reengineering can serve as a transformative approach to reshape bureaucratic culture, strengthen ethical conduct, and improve governance outcomes. Participants were invited to reflect on the long-term impact of institutional behavior and the need to align public service with values that build trust and accountability.

A key moment in the event took place when Dr. Wu presented ARTA Chief Ernesto Perez with a wrench. This symbolic gesture was inspired by the story of the “Running Boy” from the Dualtech Training Center in Calamba, Laguna. The story recounts a young technician who, during a time of disaster, ran toward the factory with his tools ready to restore operations at a moment when his country needed him most. Dr. Wu explained that this act represented responsibility, courage, and a deep sense of duty that should define nation-building and the work of public institutions. As the agency mandated to fix red tape, Dr. Wu encouraged ARTA personnel to embrace the spirit of the Running Boy and invited the audience to join him and Secretary Perez in chanting “FIX IT” and “GET RID OF IT” as a collective reminder of the agency’s mission to eliminate delays and inefficiencies in government service.

In his subsequent remarks, Secretary Perez affirmed this message and urged ARTA staff nationwide to approach their duties with full commitment and urgency. He noted that meaningful reform requires discipline, focus, and what he described as virtuous impatience, adding that public service must always be grounded in integrity and a willingness to take action when it matters most.

The engagement concluded with the shared recognition that strengthening the country’s integrity system depends on the conviction and character of public servants who choose to lead with integrity and responsibility.

11/11/2025