BukSU’s CPAG bags two awards at the int’l conference on governance and public policy

The College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) secured both the Best Paper Award and the Best Co-Host Recognition at the 3rd International Conference on Governance and Public Policy (ICGP) 2026, held virtually on August 5–6, 2026, with the theme “Transformative Environmental Governance: Integrating Policy, Science, and Community for a Resilient Planet.”

Leading CPAG’s five research entries, the study titled “How Grassroots Governments Administer Materials Recovery Facilities” won the Best Paper Award. Authored by Engr. Amber A. Paguray, Jolly Nelly E. Mamon, Dr. Wilfredo A. Martinez, and Gina A. Fronda, the paper earned recognition for its evidence-based approach to local environmental administration and solid waste management, providing actionable insights that promote responsible consumption, sustainable waste handling, and resilient local communities in direct alignment with global sustainability goals.

Four other CPAG research studies presented at the international gathering further reinforced the university’s commitment to advancing evidence-informed public policy, climate resilience, and broader global sustainability agendas:

• “Climate Governance Research in Southeast Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis,” authored by Richard Ian Mark T. Necosia, Gloria S. Tuban, Ryan Chris C. Handugan, and Ana Ninfa B. Caballero, addressed regional climate action strategies.
• “A Qualitative Inquiry into Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge in the Local Climate Change Action Plan: Evidence from the Philippines” — authored by Yammie P. Daud, Mark Lyster Semortin, and Jesseca C. Sanjorjo, highlighted inclusive climate policies that honor indigenous knowledge and reduce community vulnerabilities.
• “Integrating Payment for Ecosystem Services into Environmental Governance: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends” — authored by Rona Celeste V. Pasamonte, Loraine Mae A. Añasco, Lorenzo B. Dinlayan III, and Emmanuel Jesus T. Barroso, explored economic mechanisms for terrestrial ecosystem conservation and biodiversity protection.
• “Agricultural Governance and Sustainable Development: A Dual Framework Assessment in Southern Philippines” — authored by Jasmin N. Israel, Lalevie C. Lubos, and Annette Joy O. Cabactulan, provided strategic framework assessments to support food security and sustainable rural livelihoods.

The college also earned the Best Co-Host of ICGP 2026 award for its role in organizing the conference and facilitating international scholarly collaboration, which highlighted the institution’s continued mission to advance global partnerships that strengthen public governance and directly support broader sustainable development objectives. (Ms. Jolly Nelly E. Mamon, CPAG Faculty/ College of Public Administration and Governance)