Cotabato Schools Gather for Public Administration Summit

The USM Department of Public Administration together with Cotabato Province Public Administration Network (CoPPANet) hosted Public Administration Summit 2026 on February 20-21, 2026 at the University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan Cotabato 

The activity, guided by the theme “Governance Futures: Building Networks, Nurturing Leaders and Inspiring Public Service,” aimed to strengthen academic and leadership linkages among Public Administration programs in Cotabato Province. It formally launched CoPPANet to foster long-term collaboration and create development opportunities for students and faculty. The event also promoted inter-institutional initiatives in governance and public service while enhancing the relevance and quality of Public Administration education.

The event featured panel discussions on Governance and Leadership, as well as Inclusive Governance, where speakers shared insights and engaged participants in meaningful conversations.

Senator Francis Pangilinan delivered his message of support during the program. 

“Bilang nagtapos ng Master’s degree ng Public Administration, mahalaga ang pagpupulong na ito para sa akin dahil sa gitna ng matinding corruption  scandal sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, malaki ang magiging papel at responsibilidad ng mga eksperto sa public service moving forward para maisaayos natin ang public administration sa Pilipinas,” Pangilinan highlighted in his speech. 

He encouraged the participants to come together to take a deep dive to address the problem of good governance in the country. 
“Public Administration experts must step up. Sama-sama nating hanapan ng mga solusyon  ang problema ng panunungkulan at public administration sa ating bansa,” the senator ended.

Moreover, Senator Risa Hontiveros also delivered a special video address for the summit. 

 “Handang-handa na ang publiko na labanan ang mga korap at mga sakim sa kapangyarihan, at kayong mga kabataan ang nangunguna sa labang ito. It is you, young people who use new technologies, digital spaces, and social networks that kept the flood control issue in the national conversation. It is your creativity from reels to cool cards that help explain the level of corruption that has seeped into our institutions. It is your drive and your spirit that continue to inspire more of us to not give up on our country,” Hontiveros spoke. 

Faculty members and students from four institutions in Cotabato—USM, Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Southern Baptist College (SBC), and Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC)—actively took part in the activity.

The event also included a variety of academic and extracurricular competitions such as the Public Administration Quiz Bowl, Poster Making, Public Policy Analysis Competition, Public Policy Debate, Public Service Innovation Challenge (HackGov), Policy Research Poster, and Paper Presentations. Sports events like Men’s Basketball and Mixed Volleyball added energy to the celebration. Cultural highlights included Saludo, Mr. and Ms. Public Service Ambassador, Voice of Governance, and Vocal Solo performances.

At the end of the event, USM emerged as the overall champion. NDMC secured first runner-up, followed by SBC and MIST.

The event was spearheaded by Public Administration Department and CoPPANet through its Chairperson Dr. Jhon Dave E. Llanto.