A pre-conference for the 4th International Conference on Governance and Development (ICGD4) was held on February 27, 2025, at the International Convention Center. It brought together researchers, practitioners, and MSU students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. Themed “Driving Change through Community-Based Innovations: The Role of People’s Institutions in Development,” the event—a collaborative effort between the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAD) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), led by Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan; the College of Public Affairs (CPA) of Mindanao State University – Main Campus (MSU-Main Campus), headed by Professor Soraida B. Ali; Kasetsart University; and MSU-LNAC—served as a crucial precursor to the main ICGD4 conference.
The pre-conference featured compelling presentations directly addressing the conference theme. Dr. Nico Jayson Anastacio, University Researcher III at UPLB, presented “Strengthening Social Inclusion in Local Development Planning towards a More Resilient Philippine Agriculture Sector,” highlighting how community-based approaches foster resilience and inclusivity within the agricultural sector. Dr. Edna T. Tubilan, faculty member in the Social Work Department of MSU-CPA, shared her research, “Living through Livelihood: An Analysis of the Effects of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) across Five Key Capitals,” demonstrating the impact of community-driven livelihood initiatives like the DSWD’s SLP on various aspects of well-being.
Dr. Brian Ven C. Bag-ao, also a faculty member in the Social Work Department of MSU-CPA, tackled the urgent issue of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in his presentation, “Collaborative Governance in Response to OSAEC: The Case of Iligan City,” emphasizing the crucial role of community-based partnerships in prevention and protection efforts. Atty. Saliha P. Lalanto, Head Executive Assistant at the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), provided insights into the Marawi Rehabilitation Program, showcasing the MCB’s role in post-conflict reconstruction.
MSU System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno’s welcome address was delivered by PMS Director Atty. Norsary Mamad. His message emphasized the critical role of community-based initiatives in achieving sustainable development goals and commended the partnership among the participating academic institutions in hosting this important pre-conference. Further messages of support and encouragement were given by Dr. Amerkhan G. Cabaro (Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, MSU), Assistant Professor Mahid M. Rachman (IRLG Director, MSU), and Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan (Dean, UPLB CPAD). Dr. Evelie P. Serrano, ICGD4 Chair, read Dr. Lapitan’s message and then added her own remarks, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming ICGD4 conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 31st to August 1st, 2025, at Kasetsart University, and encouraged participants to attend.
The pre-conference concluded with an open forum facilitated by Dr. Raimah Dimaampao from the Sustainable Community Development Department of MSU-CPA. This provided participants a platform to share perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue. Prof. Norkaya Mohammad raised a question about conveying the presented research to grassroots communities. Key takeaways included the critical need for inclusive and participatory development approaches, the importance of strengthening people’s institutions, and the transformative potential of community-based innovations. This event served as a powerful catalyst for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, setting a positive tone for the main ICGD4 conference.
