BARMM MILG, DAB, and JICA Learning Visit at Ateneo School of Government

On 14 August 2024, a high-level delegation led by Engineer Khalid Dumagay, the Bangsamoro Director General of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), visited the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG). Accompanying him were key officials from the Development Academy of Bangsamoro (DAB) and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This study tour aimed to explore ASoG’s innovative programs, with particular focus on the school’s approaches to training, monitoring and evaluation processes, and its framework for ethical leadership.

The visit was warmly received by the ASoG Faculty and Staff, who prepared comprehensive presentations highlighting the School’s three main programs: the Academic Program, Ateneo Policy Center, and the Executive Education Program. Mr. Nizam Pabil, the Project Manager of the Ateneo Bangsamoro Initiative facilitated the session with the visiting delegation.

Dean Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, PhD, presented the Ateneo de Manila University strategies as well as provided an in-depth overview of the Academic Program offerings, emphasizing its alignment with government priorities and its role in addressing critical governance challenges. The Ateneo Policy Center showcased its significant regional milestones and presented developmental strategies accessible through the Access Bangsamoro website. The Executive Education Program demonstrated its impact through public offering and customized short-course training programs tailored for the public and private sectors. Dr. Angelita Gregorio-Medel, ASoG’s core Faculty, highlighted the importance of ethical leadership within the framework of governance for Mindanao.

The ASoG team shared insights into both completed and upcoming activities of potential interest to the visitors. The extensive engagement between ASoG and the delegation, including in-depth question and answer sessions, explored opportunities for strategic partnerships.

Director General Dumagay expressed his sincere gratitude to ASoG for hosting their delegation and accommodating their requests. He underscored the importance of the visit, particularly in light of the upcoming devolution in the BARMM region, which highlights the critical need for capacity-building and training initiatives.