Vigan City, Ilocos Sur – In an era of interconnected challenges, what does it take to forge a fiscally resilient public sector? The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Public Administration (CPAd) addressed this vital question through a dynamic hybrid international lecture-seminar on Public Fiscal Administration and National Development, held on April 18, 2026, at UNP Tadena Hall and via virtual platforms.
Organized by the Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program the seminar exemplified CPAd’s commitment to inclusive education. It drew graduate students from MPA (majors in Governmental Administration and Culture-Based Governance), Doctor in Public Administration (DPA), and Bachelor of Public Administration programs—seamlessly blending on-site energy with online accessibility.
The event featured three experts that shared transformative perspectives, first was Consul General Jesus “Gary” Domingo from the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne delivered a virtual keynote on global best practices in program implementation, economic development, and diaspora engagement. “UNP-CPAd’s vision aligns perfectly with our diaspora-driven initiatives,” he noted.
Next was Ms. Aprille Regina Guerrero, DILG Cluster Head, presented in person on Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardees, stressing accountability, performance standards, and effective local strategies.
And lastly, Ms. Nonavi Lazo, State Auditor IV and PICPA – Ilocos Sur & Abra Chapter President, offered in-person technical depth on audit practices, emphasizing transparency and fiscal compliance in public finance.
Beyond lectures, the seminar ignited professional networks. Consul General Domingo voiced optimism for collaborations, positioning UNP-CPAd as a key player in a proposed tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS).
This event underscores UNP-CPAd’s role in bridging local governance with international insights, theory with practice, and physical with virtual spaces—propelling academic excellence and national development.
