IGRD empowers TIEZA scholars through research orientation and public integrity workshops

“The workshop equipped us with knowledge, wisdom, and values that are essential to a government employee.” — Paqs Lagrosas, Masters in Development Management and Governance (DMG) student and one of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) scholars.

The Institute for Governance and Rural Development (IGRD) organized a three-day activity for the 11 M/MS DMG graduate students and TIEZA scholars on July 5-6, 2023 at the UPLB College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf). The activity was designed to assist the students in conceptualizing their field studies.

On the first day, Ms. Rhea Sabrido, the college librarian, demonstrated to the students how they can maximize the services and facilities of the CPAf library, particularly through remote setup. Additionally, the students visited the UPLB Main Library.

Assistant Professor Mayo Grace Amit provided an orientation on the research process. Subsequently, the students met and consulted with their advisors regarding their research topics.

The following day, as part of their DMG 246 (Public Integrity and Social Accountability) course under Dr. Maria Kristina G. Alinsunurin, the TIEZA scholars participated in an ethics and integrity workshop titled, “Cultivating a Culture of Ethics and Integrity in Public Organizations.” The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Monica H. Walet of UP Manila’s National Teachers Training Center for the Health Professions. During these sessions, the students undertook values mapping and developed their personal integrity action plan. This activity aimed to help the students reflect on their learnings in DMG 246 and eventually be catalysts of public integrity in their organization.

“Ah, eto na pala ang direction ng magiging study ko,” said Mr. Lagrosas as he shared his experience as a participant. (Ah, so this would be the direction my field study). He also added that the public integrity workshop has been helpful to him as a Corporate Analyst at TIEZA as they provide the strategies that will lessen corruption and prioritize transparency.

“The activities gave us learnings and insights that are important to people who work in the government,” said another participant, Ms. Abby Percela. “That is why, CPAf ‘iba ‘yan’, iba yung competency. Both hard and soft skills ay kailangan as a public servant,” she added. (That is why it is different with CPAf, the competency is different. Both hard and soft skills are needed as a public servant.)