Saint Louis University (SLU) successfully concluded Component 1: Leading with Values of the Cordillera CivicAdemy on 25 July 2026, marking the completion of the program’s first learning component for the Baguio City cohort. The successful implementation of the program reflects the University’s continued commitment to advancing civic leadership, participatory governance, and community engagement through meaningful partnerships, with the guidance and leadership of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President.
The Cordillera CivicAdemy is a multi-stakeholder learning platform initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) in partnership with civil society organizations (CSOs) and higher education institutions (HEIs) across Baguio City and Benguet. The program seeks to strengthen the institutional capacities of CSOs as active development partners of local government units by promoting participatory, collaborative, and values-driven governance. The CivicAdemy is composed of three learning components, with Component 1: Leading with Values serving as the foundational module.
As one of the region’s partner HEIs, SLU hosted the implementation of Component 1 for the Baguio City cohort. Sessions were conducted every Saturday from 13 June to 25 July 2026, culminating in the participants’ completion ceremony on 25 July.
Serving as lead trainers for the program were Leilani De Guzman, PhD, John Amtalao, PhD, Ms. Julivette P. Milo, Gulliver Roma, PhD, Sally Tabec, PhD, and Kurt Zeus L. Dizon, who facilitated discussions and learning activities focused on ethical leadership, civic responsibility, local governance, and values-based public service. Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, and Stephenie O. Busbus, PhD, serve as the facilitators and coordinators of the CivicAcademy.
The culmination activity was attended by DILG-CAR Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, and DILG-SLGP Project Manager II Richard L. Villacorte, who commended both the participants and the trainers for their active engagement and valuable contributions to the successful implementation of Component 1. They likewise recognized the strong collaboration among HEIs, CSOs, and the DILG in advancing civic education and strengthening participatory governance in the Cordillera.
This initiative directly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting lifelong learning and capacity development; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by strengthening civic participation, accountable institutions, and good governance; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through sustained collaboration among government agencies, higher education institutions, and civil society organizations in fostering inclusive and participatory development. (Article and Photos by K. Dizon)
